Piper PA 28-235 Incident at Longepan Farm, South Africa (ZS-ELO)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 28 May 2011, a Piper PA 28-235 with registration ZS-ELO was involved in an incident during a private visual flight rules (VFR) flight. The aircraft, operated by ELO Vliegtuig CC, departed from a private airstrip at Loch Broom in the Northern Cape Province at 1435Z. The intended destination was Longepan farm, a neighboring property in the Kalahari. The flight was conducted by a 53-year-old South African pilot holding a valid private pilot's licence and type rating, accompanied by one passenger. ## Landing and Impact Sequence The pilot had arranged with the owner of Longepan farm to mark a suitable landing track on a dry saltpan. After a fly-past inspection and a left-hand circuit at 500 feet above ground level, the aircraft touched down approximately 300 feet from the edge of the pan. During the landing roll, the nose wheel began to sink into the soft soil, creating a deep track. The nose gear subsequently collapsed and folded back under the nose section, resulting in a propeller strike. The aircraft skidded forward for approximately 30 feet before coming to a stop. ## Damage and Injuries The incident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, specifically affecting the nose gear, lower cowling, and propeller. The engine was still running at the time of the collapse. Despite the impact, neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained any injuries. Both occupants were properly restrained with safety belts and harnesses and evacuated the aircraft safely. ## Probable Cause and Analysis The investigation determined that the incident was caused by an unsuccessful landing due to the nose gear entering soft sand and collapsing during the landing roll. Although the farm owner had visually inspected the landing zone and reported it as suitable, the top layer of the dried saltpan was not hard enough to withstand the full load of the aircraft as it decelerated. The pilot was familiar with the area and had previously landed safely on the same saltpan. No safety recommendations were issued as a result of the investigation.