What happened
On June 22, 2002, a PIPER PA2_8-161, registration ZS-KFF, was conducting a private flight from Grand Central Aerodrome to Kudu Ranch Private Aerodrome. During the approach to the grass runway at Kudu Ranch, the pilot initiated a go-around after realizing the aircraft had drifted too far to the left of the runway centerline.
On the subsequent landing attempt, the pilot successfully touched down on the runway. However, following the landing, an inspection of the aircraft revealed a tear in the lower left-hand wing skin. Upon examining the area adjacent to the left side of the runway, the pilot discovered a signboard that had been obscured by tall grass.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident, focusing on the flight path and the condition of the airfield. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid private pilot's license and that the aircraft was in a serviceable condition at the time of the event. The meteorological conditions at the time of the occurrence were reported as fine.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was the aircraft drifting left of the runway centerline during the initial landing attempt.
- A signboard, which was hidden from view by overgrown grass, struck the lower wing skin of the PIPER PA28-161.
- There were no injuries and no fatalities resulting from this incident.