On May 7, 2008, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration ZS-KKR) operated by Torquip Transmission Services was involved in an aviation accident near Winterveld, South Africa during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a rock on the runway surface during its landing roll. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A Panther III aircraft sustained significant damage after striking an object on the runway surface during its landing roll in Winterveld.
What happened
During the landing phase at Winterveld, a Panther III encountered an obstacle on the airfield surface. Upon contact with a rock located on the ground, the aircraft's right main landing gear was forcefully detached from the airframe. This impact caused the aircraft to deviate from its path, veering toward the right side of the runway.
The sequence of events concluded when the aircraft came to a halt, having sustained extensive damage to its right wing. While the incident resulted in zero fatalities and zero injuries, the structural damage sustained by the airframe was so severe that the aircraft was declared a total loss and rendered beyond repair.
Findings
The primary factor in the accident was the aircraft striking a rock on the ground immediately following touchdown.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck a rock on the runway surface during its landing roll.