Incident Overview
On 3 January 2001 at 0700Z, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration ZS-CBB) departed from Runway 22 at Witbank Aerodrome for a private local flight with one pilot and three passengers on board. The weather was CAVOK with wind from 090° at 10–15 knots.
Sequence of Events
Prior to departure, both fuel tanks were filled to capacity. The pilot selected 10° of flap for takeoff. During engine run-up checks, performance was normal. However, shortly after takeoff at approximately 20 feet above ground, the pilot experienced a loss of power and the aircraft began descending. The pilot banked left and performed a forced landing in the grass adjacent to the runway.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft sustained only minor damage to the left-hand wing tip. No injuries were sustained by the pilot or passengers. An Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) inspected the aircraft and found no defects. No water or contaminants were found in the fuel tanks or strainer. The electric fuel pump operated satisfactorily, and a subsequent engine test run showed normal indications.
The prevailing wind direction and speed indicated that the pilot took off with a tailwind of between 6 and 10 knots, which would have lengthened the required takeoff distance.
Probable Cause
The cause of the incident could not be determined with certainty and therefore remains undetermined.