What happened
On 4 March 2023, a Piper 28-180 Cherokee, registered ZS-DPN, was conducting a private flight from Brakpan Aerodrome (FABB) to Vereeniging Aerodrome (FAVV) in Gauteng Province. The flight, intended for hour-building purposes, was operating under visual meteorological conditions.
During the return leg to Brakpan, the pilot joined the right downwind for Runway 03. While performing pre-landing checks and extending the flaps to 45 degrees, the aircraft maintained an approach speed of 80 mph. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced, leading to a loss of directional control. Despite attempts to correct the veer with right rudder, the nose gear assembly separated from the fork. The aircraft subsequently skidded off the right side of the runway, striking a runway light before coming to a stop on the grass. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and the pilot's actions leading up to the impact. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the 100-hour Mandatory Periodic Inspection had been completed approximately 24 hours prior to the event. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were found to be clear and had no impact on the outcome. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's landing technique and the aircraft's configuration, specifically the use of 45-degree flaps and an 80 mph approach speed.
Findings
- The pilot performed a flare that was too high, which caused the aircraft to be high on approach.
- This improper flare resulted in a hard touchdown and a subsequent bounce.
- The loss of directional control following the bounce led to the aircraft exiting the runway and sustaining substantial damage to the left wing, nose gear, and underbelly.