Summary
On 2 December 2023 at 0722Z, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration ZS-ESW, was substantially damaged during a forced landing on a private farm approximately 7 nautical miles from Klerksdorp Airfield (FAKD). The aircraft was conducting simulated forced landing exercises under Part 141 with an instructor and a student pilot on board. Neither occupant was injured.
Sequence of Events
The flight departed FAKD at approximately 0658Z. Two simulated forced landing exercises were completed successfully. During the third exercise, while turning left at about 800 feet AGL at low speed, the aircraft encountered a strong downdraft. The student pilot pulled the nose up, causing a stall. The instructor took control, lowered the nose, raised flaps, and applied power, successfully recovering from the stall. However, due to heat and wind conditions, the aircraft could not gain altitude; it alternately climbed and descended, losing height. The instructor selected a field for a forced landing, closed the mixture and throttle, turned off fuel selector and magnetos, applied full flaps, and turned off the master switch. During the landing roll, she kept the nose high to prevent the nose wheel from touching. The aircraft struck two perimeter fences and a wooden post before stopping.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Post-accident inspection revealed dents on the leading edges of both wings and scratches on the propeller blades.
Weather Conditions
The METAR for FAKD at 0722Z reported wind 360° at 9 knots gusting 13 knots, CAVOK, temperature 27°C, and QNH 1021 hPa. Satellite imagery showed no clouds, indicating visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Persons on Board
The instructor and student pilot were not injured.