Accident Description
On 9 March 2024 at 1530Z, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (registration ZS-CJG) operated under Part 141 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations was conducting a solo consolidation training flight from Mahikeng Aerodrome (FAMM) in the North West province. The student pilot (SP) had been authorised to perform circuits and three touch-and-go landings. After a normal pre-flight inspection and taxi, the SP received take-off clearance, applied full throttle (2 700 RPM), and commenced the take-off roll on Runway 04. The aircraft rotated and climbed to circuit height.
On final approach for landing, the flaps were extended to 40°. The aircraft touched down normally on Runway 04. In preparation for another take-off, the SP retracted the flaps to 10° and applied take-off power. During this roll, the aircraft drifted to the right. The SP attempted to correct back to the centreline but was unsuccessful. He then applied the brakes excessively, and the aircraft came to a halt on the grass beside the runway. The nose landing gear strut and propeller sustained substantial damage. The SP was not injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (serial number 28-2761) with a Lycoming O-360-A3A engine and a Sensenich 76EM855-0-60 propeller. It had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness expiring 30 April 2025 and a Certificate of Registration issued 31 January 2023. The last 100-hour mandatory periodic inspection was conducted on 10 January 2024 at 8 350.8 airframe hours; the accident occurred at 8 449.4 hours (98.6 hours since inspection). The aircraft was fitted with 48 gallons (181 litres) of fuel.
The student pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence (SPL) issued 3 August 2023 and a Class 2 medical certificate expiry 30 April 2028 with no restrictions. He had logged 59.4 total flying hours, all 40.8 hours on type, and 40.8 hours in the previous 90 days.
Meteorological Conditions
The METAR for FAMM at 1500Z reported wind from 020° at 5 knots, temperature 33 °C, dew point 12 °C, QNH 1018 hPa, visibility 9999 m, and nil cloud. The calculated crosswind component was 1.71 knots from the left. The Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee has a maximum demonstrated crosswind of 17 knots at full (40°) flaps.
Findings
- The student pilot had 59.4 total flight hours and 40.8 hours on type.
- The aircraft was airworthy at dispatch.
- The crosswind at the time was well within the aircraft’s demonstrated limits.
- The SP did not compensate with rudder during the take-off roll, resulting in a loss of directional control and an excursion to the right.
Probable Cause
The SP did not compensate with the rudder during the take-off roll on Runway 04; consequently, he lost directional control of the aircraft which veered off to the right.
Contributing Factor: Lack of experience.