What happened
On 14 August 2007, a Piper PA28-160, registration ZS-JTO, was conducting a private flight intended to build flying hours. The flight originated from Wonderboom Aerodrome, proceeded to Nylstroom Aerodrome, and was returning to Wonderboom.
During the return leg, the pilot was instructed by Wonderboom Air Traffic Control to join the right-hand downwind for landing on Runway 29. While on final approach, the pilot aligned the aircraft with the centerline. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft landed to the left of the centerline. In an attempt to correct the aircraft's path using the rudder, the pilot lost directional control. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway, causing the propeller and the right wing tip to strike the ground. There were no injuries to the two occupants on board.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The weather was reported as fine, with a temperature of 17°C and a surface wind of 300 degrees at 15 knots.
Records indicated that the most recent mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) for ZS-JTO had been completed on 17 July 2007, with the aircraft having flown 64.17 hours since that inspection. The maintenance organization responsible for the certification held a valid approval certificate at the time of the incident.