What happened
On 12 May 2010, a solo consolidation training flight involving a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee Archer ended with the aircraft exiting the runway at Nelspruit Aerodrome. Following the initial landing on Runway 04, the aircraft drifted to the right of the paved surface and eventually came to a stop within a cluster of bushes. The pilot, who was a student pilot at the time, sustained no injuries during the event.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the excursion. The inquiry reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that ZS-EOD had been maintained according to approved procedures and was considered serviceable for the flight. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot held a valid license and medical certificate. Meteorological data indicated fine weather conditions with light winds from 220 degrees and good visibility, suggesting that environmental factors were not a contributing element to the incident.
Findings
The investigation established that the aircraft was in a proper state of airworthiness and that the engine and airframe showed no signs of mechanical anomaly. The primary factor identified was that the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft after touchdown, which led to the departure from the runway. The impact with the bushes resulted in structural damage, including dents to both wings and the elevator, as well as the collapse of the nose gear.