What happened
On 13 July 2002, a PIPER PA-32-300, registered as ZS-FYP, was performing a private flight departing from and returning to Ermelo Aerodrome. During the landing roll on the runway, the pilot observed the aircraft deviating from its path and veering toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft was successfully brought to a stop, and all four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—were able to exit the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
Following the incident, an examination of the aircraft was conducted. Upon inspection of the landing gear, it was determined that the right-hand wheel axle had failed. Evidence from photographs provided by a loss adjuster indicated that a pre-existing crack had been present on the component. This crack likely compromised the structural integrity and the load-bearing capacity of the axle, leading to its failure under the stresses of landing.
Records indicate that the aircraft's last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was completed at 5,210.13 flying hours. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had accumulated an additional 93.47 hours of flight time since that inspection.