Ground excursion of Panther III in Winterveld

No fatalities • Winterveld, South Africa • Landing (descent or approach)

A Panther III aircraft sustained significant damage after striking an object on the runway during its landing roll in Winterveld.

What happened

During the landing phase at Winterveld, a Panther III aircraft encountered an obstacle on the airfield surface. Upon contact with a rock on the ground, the aircraft's right main landing gear was completely detached from the airframe.

Following the loss of the gear, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control and veered toward the right side of the runway. The sequence ended when the aircraft came to a halt with substantial damage to the right wing. There were no injuries reported among the occupants following the incident.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the excursion was the impact with a rock on the ground surface.
  • The structural integrity of the right main gear was compromised by the impact, leading to its separation from the aircraft.
  • The aircraft was declared a total loss as the damage sustained was beyond repair.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a rock on the ground during landing, causing the right main landing gear to detach and resulting in a ground excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-05-07 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Winterveld, South Africa?

A Panther III aircraft sustained significant damage after striking an object on the runway during its landing roll in Winterveld.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-05-07 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-05-07 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration ZS-KKR, operated by Torquip Transmission Services, at Winterveld, South Africa.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a rock on the ground during landing, causing the right main landing gear to detach and resulting in a ground excursion.

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