2009 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee Archer Incident at Potchefstroom (ZS-FBE)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 7 November 2009, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee Archer, registration ZS-FBE, was operating a private flight from Potchefstroom aerodrome (FAPS) in North West, South Africa, to Kroonstad aerodrome (FAKS) in the Free State. The aircraft was operated by Mariannair and was a 1976 model manufactured by Piper Aircraft Corporation. The pilot-in-command was a 20-year-old male holding a valid private pilot's licence with 85.8 total flying hours, all on type. The flight carried two people: the pilot and one passenger. ## Sequence of Events The pilot completed pre-flight checks, engine run-ups, and before-takeoff checks without noting any anomalies. After takeoff from Runway 03, the pilot conducted after-takeoff checks and, at 500 feet above ground level, turned onto a crosswind heading toward Kroonstad. Shortly after the turn, the engine began running rough. The pilot checked the fuel mixture, which had been leaned during the run-ups, and found the lever in the same position. The pilot then experienced a loss of power and RPM. Suspecting carburettor icing, he selected the carburettor heat. The engine lost power more rapidly, prompting the pilot to switch off the carburettor heat. The engine stopped operating shortly thereafter. After a failed restart attempt, the pilot executed a forced landing on an open stretch of veld near Potchefstroom aerodrome. ## Damage and Injuries The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear and propeller. During the forced landing, the main gear made contact with the ground first, followed by the nose gear, which struck a rock and broke off. The propeller blades struck the ground and were damaged after the nose gear collapsed. Damage to the blades indicated the engine was not producing power at the time of impact. Neither the pilot nor the passenger was injured. The incident was considered survivable due to low impact forces and proper restraint of the occupants. ## Investigation Findings The investigation determined that the pilot had set the air-fuel mixture too lean during pre-takeoff checks and during the takeoff itself. The pilot's application of carburettor heat to the engine air intake system caused the air-fuel mixture to become too lean, resulting in the engine stoppage. The engine was later removed and tested at an approved repair facility, with no anomalies noted. The aircraft was maintained by an approved aircraft maintenance organisation, and the work performed was properly certified. The aircraft was imported from Namibia and had no prior logbook entries for the propeller installation.