Introduction
On 09 September 2006, a Piper PA28R-180 aircraft, registration ZS-FVH, was involved in an incident at Ficksburg Aerodrome (FAFB). The aircraft was operated under private category. The pilot, aged 22, held a valid private pilot licence with no restrictions and had accumulated 117.0 total flying hours, including 3.0 hours on the aircraft type. The last mandatory periodic inspection was conducted on 25 February 2006 at 6 063.0 airframe hours; the aircraft had flown 35.58 hours since.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Ficksburg Aerodrome with an intended destination of Bethlehem Aerodrome (FABM). The planned departure time was 0945Z. On board were the pilot and one passenger. Weather conditions at the time were fine, with a temperature of 20°C and calm surface wind.
Incident Narrative
According to the pilot's statement, he selected 10° of flap and rotated the aircraft at 85 mph from runway 08. As the aircraft began to climb, indicated airspeed (IAS) started to drop, resulting in a loss of lift. Approximately 50 ft above ground, the pilot lowered the nose to gain airspeed and altitude, then proceeded down a valley beyond the runway 08 overshoot area. He decided to perform an emergency landing on a gravel road but aborted after noticing a vehicle on the road. The pilot then pulled the nose up to clear high-tension wires and carried out a forced landing in an open field. The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear, wings, flaps, and propeller blades. Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained injuries.
Post-Incident Findings
The aircraft maintenance organization that recovered the aircraft reported that the fuel mixture was set too lean for takeoff, which caused a reduction in engine power and subsequent loss of lift.
Probable Cause
The fuel mixture was set too lean for the take-off.