Incident Overview
On 24 July 2021 at approximately 0842Z, a Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee aircraft, registration ZS-FTC, experienced a serious incident during landing at Kralingen Farm Private Airstrip in Limpopo Province. The aircraft had departed from The Coves Private Airstrip in North West Province earlier that day.
Flight Details
The pilot, accompanied by three passengers, took off at 0824Z from The Coves airstrip near Hartbeespoort Dam. The private flight, conducted under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) by day and in accordance with Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, was destined for Kralingen Farm airstrip. The pilot conducted a pre-flight inspection with no issues noted. The flight to the destination was uneventful.
The pilot stated that he was not familiar with the airstrip and had followed Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates. Upon arrival, he flew overhead at a safe height to inspect the area, then performed a left-side circuit pattern to land on Runway 18.
Weather and Airstrip Conditions
According to the pilot's questionnaire, the weather at the time showed a wind speed of 6–8 knots from a northerly direction. Two weather station reports were considered: Polokwane International Airport (FAPP) reported wind 07008KT, and Wonderboom Airport (FAWB) reported wind 12005KT. The report noted that the wind direction supported the required landing heading, and wind speed was unlikely to produce severe gusts causing unstable landing conditions. The pilot, however, reported feeling a gusty eastern wind component and a northerly wind before touchdown.
Landing and Loss of Control
During touchdown on Runway 18, the pilot lost directional control. The nose landing gear wheel dug into loose sand on the uneven runway surface, causing the aircraft to veer left. The pilot attempted to correct by applying right rudder but was unsuccessful. The nose gear strut collapsed after contacting rough terrain at the runway edge. The propeller subsequently struck the ground, and the engine stopped. The aircraft came to a halt near bushes on the left side of the runway.
Damage and Occupants
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear strut and the propeller. No injuries were reported among the pilot and three passengers. The pilot switched off the master switch, completed shutdown procedures, and everyone disembarked unassisted.
Aircraft Information
The Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee, registration ZS-FTC, had a total aircraft time of 3613.3 hours. It was maintained by an AMO with a valid certificate. The aircraft had a Certificate of Release to Service issued on 4 June 2021 at 3603.1 hours, valid until 3703.1 hours or 4 June 2022. An annual Mandatory Periodic Inspection had been performed. No pre-existing defects were recorded in the logbook.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 48-year-old male, held a Private Pilot Licence issued on 31 July 2020 (expired 30 July 2021) and a Class 2 medical certificate valid until 31 May 2022. He had 22.8 hours on type and 96.2 total flying hours.
Probable Cause
The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft after touchdown on an uneven runway surface, which led to the aircraft veering off to the left side of the runway. This resulted in the collapse of the nose gear strut and, subsequently, the propeller blades hitting the ground.