What happened
On 26 September 2015, a Piper 28-181, registration ZS-ONA, was conducting a solo navigation exercise through several Gauteng aerodromes. The flight, which included touch-and-go maneuvers at Rustenburg, Pilanesberg, and Dwaalboom, proceeded without incident until the final leg at Zebula Lodge.
As the pilot prepared for landing on Runway 08, the wind appeared calm according to both the windsock and observations from another aircraft. However, as the main wheels made contact with the runway while the nosewheel was still airborne, a sudden gust of wind struck from the right. The force of the wind lifted the right wing and pushed the nose toward the left. The aircraft bounced twice on the runway surface before veering off the left side of the runway. The impact caused the nosewheel to detach, and the aircraft eventually came to a stop against a tree. The pilot was uninjured and able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's maintenance history and the meteorological conditions at the time of the incident. The investigation confirmed that the Piper 28-181 was properly maintained by an approved organization and held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The pilot held a valid private pilot license and was medically fit for the flight.
Meteorological data from the South African Weather Service indicated that while surface winds were light, there was an expected increase in wind speed between the surface and 10,000 feet. This atmospheric profile supported the pilot's account of experiencing a sudden gust during the landing phase.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained minor damage to the propeller, cowling, and both wings.
- The primary cause of the loss of control was a sudden gust of wind during the touchdown phase.
- Increasing wind speeds at higher altitudes contributed to the unstable conditions at the surface.
- The pilot's handling technique during the gust was identified as a contributing factor.