What happened
On 05 February 2007, a Piper PA28-180, registration ZS-BFC, was conducting a private local flight departing from and returning to Wonderboom Aerodrome. During the approach to runway 29, the pilot found the aircraft too high and attempted to descend by reducing power. Upon touchdown, the aircraft was traveling at an indicated airspeed of 85 mph with a 20-degree flap setting. Due to gusty wind conditions, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to veer to the left. The aircraft struck a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) light before coming to a rest on the grass approximately 15 meters left of the runway. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries resulting from the event.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Meteorological data indicated winds from 300 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts reaching 15 knots, and a temperature of 32°C. The investigation reviewed the maintenance history of the aircraft, noting that the most recent mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) had been completed on 24 January 2007. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had flown 19.2 hours since that inspection. The maintenance organization responsible for the certification held a valid approval. Physical evidence, including skid marks on the runway, suggested that the aircraft impacted the nose wheel first during the landing.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control following a hard landing.
- Gusty wind conditions contributed to the pilot's inability to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller blades, the nose wheel spat, and the nose wheel oleo.