Accident Details
On 5 February 2007, at 1225Z, a Piper PA28-180, registration ZS-BFC, was involved in an incident on the grass next to runway 29 at Wonderboom Aerodrome. The flight was a private local flight. The aircraft had two persons on board; no injuries or fatalities were reported. The weather at the time was wind 300° at 10 knots gusting 15 knots, temperature 32°C, and visibility CAVOK.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was returning from the general flying area and found herself too high on approach for landing on runway 29. She reduced power to descend. On touchdown, at an indicated airspeed of 85 mph with 20° flap setting, she was unable to control the aircraft due to gusty wind conditions. The aircraft veered to the left and departed the runway. It impacted a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) light before coming to a complete stop approximately 15 meters to the left of the runway.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damages to the nose wheel oleo, nose wheel spat, and the propeller blades. No other damage was reported.
Probable Cause
The pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft following a hard landing, and the aircraft veered off the runway.