What happened
On April 4, 2001, a Piper PA 28-160, registration ZS-EXO, was conducting a ferry and test flight from Brakpan Aerodrome to Heidelberg Aerodrome. The aircraft was occupied by the pilot-in-command, a student pilot, and one passenger. During the flight, the student pilot was actively maneuvering the aircraft and performing turns.
As the aircraft approached Runway 24 at Heidelberg, the student pilot maintained control through the final approach, with flaps set to the full three-notch position. The pilot-in-fly took control of the aircraft just prior to touchdown, but the aircraft landed approximately halfway down the runway. Realizing the aircraft would not stop before the runway end, the pilot applied full power in an attempt to execute a go-around.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the aircraft's impact in a residential area on Coen Labushagne Street in Rensburg, Heidelberg. The investigation focused on the aircraft's configuration during the aborted landing and the subsequent loss of altitude.
Findings
- The aircraft performed a downwind landing that resulted in a touchdown too far down the runway.
- The pilot attempted to initiate a go-around while the flaps were still fully extended.
- The high level of drag produced by the full flap setting prevented the aircraft from maintaining sufficient altitude during the climb attempt.
- The pilot was forced to execute a straight-ahead forced landing into a built-up area.
- There were no fatalities among the three occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage during the crash-landing.