History of Flight
On 30 January 2012 at 0605Z, a private pilot conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) scenic flight was taxiing on Runway 27 at Welgevondenfontein West Aerodrome, Gauteng, in preparation for takeoff. The pilot reported that the right main wheel entered a furrow on the runway surface. Control was lost, and the aircraft veered to the right of the runway. Subsequently, the nose wheel also entered the furrow, causing the nose section to drop and the rotating propeller to strike the ground. The propeller blades were damaged. No persons on board (pilot and one passenger) were injured. The accident occurred in daylight with CAVOK meteorological conditions, temperature 22°C, calm wind, visibility 10 km.
Circumstances
The investigation revealed that the furrow had been caused by rain that fell a few days prior to the incident. The pilot was properly licensed and rated, and the aircraft held a valid certificate of airworthiness and registration. No mechanical defects were reported before or after the occurrence. The runway edges had been damaged by recent rainfall. After the incident, the runway owner repaired the furrow.
Conclusion
The aircraft veered off the runway because the main landing gear and the nose wheel entered a furrow which had been caused by recent rain.