Accident
On 28 December 2000 at 0300Z, a Piper PA36 aircraft registered ZS-LXN was conducting an agricultural take-off from a private strip in the Bethlehem area. During the take-off run at approximately 10 knots, the left-hand undercarriage collapsed. The left-hand spray boom and hopper feed pipes were broken. No other damage occurred, and the sole occupant, the pilot, was not injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA36, operating under an agricultural operation. The pilot held a valid commercial pilot licence with 5,028 total flying hours, including 220 hours on the Piper PA36 type. The flight was a local operation departing from and intending to return to the same private strip.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather conditions were reported as fine at the time of the accident.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the left-hand undercarriage collapsed due to main frame tubing failure.