Accident Details
On 21 July 2001, a Piper PA32RT-300T, registration ZS-LAO, was involved in a taxiing accident at Secunda Aerodrome, South Africa. The aircraft, operated under a private license, was being flown by a 28-year-old commercial pilot with 2,060 total flying hours, including 17 hours on type. The flight originated from Wonderboom Aerodrome and was destined for Secunda Aerodrome to attend an airshow.
Flight History
The aircraft arrived at Secunda at 0645Z under poor weather conditions. The pilot was instructed to follow another aircraft and taxi to a parking area designated for airshow participants. The taxi path required crossing a rough, grass-covered area between the runway and a taxiway.
During the taxi, the aircraft was moving at an acceptable speed according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) investigator. However, the right-hand main wheel entered a concealed hole in the ground. The impact was severe enough to cause damage to the aircraft's right wing and the right-hand main landing gear attachment point.
Damage
The aircraft sustained structural damage to the wing and the main landing gear attachment point as a direct result of the wheel encountering the hidden hole. There were two persons on board—the pilot and one passenger—and no injuries were reported.
Probable Cause
The right-hand main wheel entered a concealed hole resulting in damage to the wing structure of the aircraft.