Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee Runway Excursion at Worcester Aerodrome (ZS-FMO)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On the morning of 9 July 2022, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee with registration ZS-FMO and serial number 28-4895 departed Worcester Aerodrome (FAWC) in the Western Cape Province for an introductory flight. The aircraft, which had 9,971.0 total airframe hours, was destroyed in the subsequent accident. The flight was conducted under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011. ## Flight Progression and Environmental Factors The flight instructor and passenger took off from Runway 15 in fine weather. While in the general flying area, a frontal system from the north-west caused a sudden increase in wind speed and a change in direction. The chief flight instructor, observing the approach, radioed the pilot on 124.80 MHz to perform a go-around, but the pilot elected to continue the landing. ## Runway Excursion and Post-Impact Events The aircraft landed approximately 300m from the threshold of Runway 33, having overflown about 1,300m of the runway. The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft, leading to a runway excursion. The aircraft passed through three fences before coming to rest on its left side 510m past the threshold. A post-impact fire consumed the wreckage, though the right wing remained separated from the fuselage. ## Casualties and Emergency Response Both occupants were extracted from the wreckage by a bystander. Emergency medical personnel attended to them at the scene; the pilot sustained only scratches to his left knee. The local fire service extinguished the fire, which was fueled by strong winds. ## Weather and Aerodrome Conditions Satellite imagery at the time of the accident showed a cold front and mountain waves. The Worcester Flying Club's weather station recorded a prevailing wind of 22.2 knots from the north-west, with 10-minute gusts reaching 39.1 knots. Runway 15 is 1,600m long with a surface of asphalt, gravel, and asphalt.