Occurrence
On Sunday, 1 May 2022, at 1500Z, a Piper PA28-180 aircraft (registration ZS-FYH) departed on a private flight from Goedehoop Farm Private Airstrip, located approximately 6 nautical miles southwest of Koppies in the Free State province of South Africa. The flight, conducted under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2011, carried a pilot and three passengers. The takeoff from Runway 21 was uneventful, and after a flight lasting about 30 minutes, the aircraft returned for landing on the same gravel strip.
The pilot reported that the approach speed was approximately 80 knots, with a light wind of less than 2 knots. During the landing roll, directional control was lost, and the aircraft veered to the left side of the runway before coming to rest in a ditch. The pilot and one passenger sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital; the other two passengers were uninjured. The aircraft suffered substantial damage to the landing gear, propeller, fuselage, and left wing.
Aircraft Information
The Piper PA28-180 (serial number 28-5301) held a Certificate of Airworthiness initially issued on 9 June 2014, with an expiry date of 30 June 2022. Its Certificate of Registration was issued on 10 October 2014 to the current owner. The last mandatory periodic inspection prior to the accident was certified on 15 December 2021 at 3,088.57 airframe hours, with a Certificate of Release to Service valid until 14 December 2022 or 3,188.57 hours, whichever occurred first. The total aircraft time at the accident was 3,088.57 hours.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 30-year-old male, held a valid Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) initially issued on 19 April 2017 and reissued on 14 March 2022 with an expiry date of 31 March 2024. The Piper PA28 type was endorsed on his licence. He also held a Class 2 medical certificate issued on 23 August 2019, valid until 31 August 2024 with no restrictions. His total flying experience was 118.9 hours, with 63.4 hours on type.
Investigation Findings
According to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook for the Piper PA28, the recommended approach speed is 73 knots. The pilot reported an approach speed of 80 knots during finals. The investigation, conducted as a limited report by the South African Civil Aviation Authority's Accident and Incident Investigations Division, relied on information submitted by the affected persons. The report noted that the aircraft was stable during the approach but the higher approach speed may have contributed to the loss of control. No safety actions or recommendations were made.
Probable Cause
The aircraft was unstable on final approach, which resulted in the pilot losing directional control of the aircraft after touchdown.