Piper Cherokee PA-28-181 Accident at Middleburg Airfield (ZS-JUA)

Overview and Flight Details On 28 September 2024, a Piper Aircraft Cherokee PA-28-181 with registration ZS-JUA was operating a private flight under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The aircraft departed Bundu Inn Airfield in North West Province, with intended stops at Secunda Airport (FASC) and Middleburg Airfield (FAMB) in Mpumalanga Province. The flight was conducted by day in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The pilot was building hours toward a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). ## Accident Sequence During the final approach to Runway 32 at Middleburg Airfield, the wind was reported at 350° at 14 knots, gusting 26 knots, resulting in a calculated crosswind component of 13 knots. The pilot reported that during the roundout before touchdown, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway centreline because the crosswind was not compensated for. The pilot applied full power to attempt a go-around, but the aircraft sank and touched down hard on the grass surface to the left of the runway. During the landing roll, the pilot lost directional control, and the nose gear impacted a taxiway sign. The impact caused the nose gear strut to break off, and the propeller struck the ground. The aircraft came to rest on a gravel area approximately 7 metres to the left of the runway. ## Damage and Injuries The pilot and one passenger on board were not injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose gear, propeller, and lower engine cowling. ## Meteorological and Aircraft Information A METAR issued for Witbank Airfield (FAWI), located approximately 15 nautical miles south-west of Middleburg Airfield, at 1100Z on 28 September 2024, reported wind 350° at 14 knots gusting 26 knots, visibility 9999 metres, temperature 29°C, and QNH 1017 hPa. The aircraft had a demonstrated crosswind component of 17 knots according to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook. The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a Class 2 aviation medical certificate. The pilot had 23.3 total hours on the aircraft type and 8.8 hours in the preceding 90 days. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Release to Service, and was maintained by a certified aircraft maintenance organisation.