History of Flight
On Wednesday morning, 1 January 2025, a pilot operating a Piper PA-36-285 Pawnee Brave aircraft, registration ZS-LUG, departed from Kirkwood Airstrip in the Sundays River Valley, north-west of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape province. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) in accordance with Part 137 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011. The intended purpose was crop-spraying, with the plan to return to the same airstrip.
The pilot reported completing seven uneventful chemical spray runs before returning to Kirkwood Airstrip. During the landing roll on Runway 22, approximately 300 metres into the roll, the right main landing gear separated from the fuselage. The aircraft subsequently swung to the right, causing the right-wing tip and propeller to contact the ground.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were sustained by the pilot. There were no other persons on board or on the ground.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Damage items included the landing gear, propeller, right wing, and spray boom.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-36-285 Pawnee Brave, serial number not specified. It was registered in South Africa as ZS-LUG and was being operated by Van Den Berg Lugbespuiting CC. The aircraft was engaged in agricultural operations under Part 137.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, the wind was from 340 degrees at 3 knots, temperature 20°C, dew point 15°C, visibility 10 kilometres or more, ceiling and visibility OK (CAVOK), and QNH 1014 hPa.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The landing gear separation occurred during the landing roll on Runway 22. The right main landing gear detached from the fuselage, and the aircraft veered right. The right-wing tip and propeller struck the ground. The aircraft came to rest on the runway.
Tests and Research
The investigation determined that the bolt securing the right main landing gear beneath the fuselage sheared off during the landing roll.
Probable Cause
The bolt that secured the right main landing gear beneath the fuselage sheared off during the landing roll on Runway 22, causing the landing gear to separate from the fuselage. This resulted in the right-wing tip and propeller contacting the ground, and the aircraft swinging to the right.