Introduction
On 2 December 1999 at 1545 Z, a Piper PA28-181, registration ZS-KWR, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Rand Airport. The aircraft was operated under a training approval (CAA/0025, valid until 30 June 2001). The pilot-in-command held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and had 3990.00 total flying hours, with 1230.00 hours on type. The licence was valid. The flight originated and intended to return to Rand Airport.
Sequence of Events
The instructor was conducting a conversion training exercise with a student. During the third landing on Runway 35, the aircraft veered to the left-hand side and departed the runway onto the grass. It then swung through 90 degrees, causing the lower section of the left-hand main oleo leg to break off.
Injuries and Damage
There were two persons on board (instructor and student). No injuries were reported, and no fatalities occurred. The aircraft sustained damage to the left main undercarriage oleo leg.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was a fatigue crack in the left main undercarriage oleo leg outer casting at the lower area. The crack originated at the undercarriage torque link support bracket, which subsequently caused the oleo leg inner piston and main wheel to separate from the aircraft.