What happened
On 27 February 2026, a private flight departing from Bram Fischer International Airport (FABL) in the Free State was en route to Rand Airport (FAGM) in Gauteng. The flight, operated under Part 91 regulations, proceeded uneventfully through visual meteorological conditions until the approach to Runway 29. During the landing phase, the aircraft was flying at approximately 80 mph in light rain.
Upon touchdown, the pilot noted that the Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registered ZS-CJG, began to drift toward the right side of the runway centerline. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied left rudder input; however, the aircraft entered an unstable oscillation. This loss of directional control caused the aircraft to veer to the left side of the runway, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear strut. The aircraft came to rest on the grass, suffering substantial damage, though there were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft at a maintenance facility at Rand Airport. While the team confirmed that the trim control and cables were functional, they noted that the rudder was found in a nose-right trim position. Due to the damage sustained by the nose gear, a full assessment of the rudder rigging was not possible.
During interviews, the pilot disclosed that the aircraft had exhibited a tendency to roll and yaw to the right during the flight, a condition that was not corrected via rudder trim adjustments. Meteorological data confirmed light rain and calm winds at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had undergone a mandatory periodic inspection approximately 82 hours prior to the incident.
- The nose-right rudder trim condition likely induced a yaw and roll tendency during flight and compromised directional stability during the landing roll.
- The aircraft was likely unstable during its final approach, potentially impacting the touchdown point.
- The loss of control was influenced by poor airmanship and landing technique.