What happened
On October 27, 2000, a PA28-235, registration ZS-EBT, was conducting a flight from Kokstad to Magwa, near Lusikisiki. Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a weather report from an individual tasked with collecting information from the destination aerodrome. However, the pilot later determined that this weather information was highly inaccurate.
Upon arriving at the Lusikisiki area, the pilot found that meteorological conditions had significantly deteriorated, characterized by clouds and poor visibility. Due to these conditions, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing. During two initial inspection passes of the Lusikisiki aerodrome runway, the pilot noted several ruts on the surface. Consequently, the decision was made to land on the grass adjacent to the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the landing and the physical cause of the aircraft's damage. It was established that the pilot's decision to avoid the runway was prompted by the observed runway condition. During the touchdown on the grass strip, the left wheel made contact with a grass-covered anthill.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the aircraft struck a grass-covered anthill during the landing maneuver.
- The impact with the anthill caused the landing gear to separate from the PA28-235.
- The pilot's decision to land on the grass was a response to visible ruts on the aerodrome runway.
- Inaccurate weather reporting prior to departure contributed to the pilot's arrival at the aerodrome facing unexpected-deteriorated conditions.