What happened
On November 14, 2001, a Piper PA-20, registered ZS-LHG, was performing a private flight departing from and returning to Krugersdorp. During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway. The pilot was unable to regain directional control, which led to a ground loop. While the aircraft sustained damage to the right-hand wing tip and the right-hand undercarriage, there were no injuries and no fatalities reported.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control on the runway. The meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with clear weather and a light wind of approximately 5 knots. The investigation confirmed that the pilot had reported no mechanical defects or operational abnormalities prior to the incident. Furthermore, the aircraft's maintenance records indicated that the plane had been maintained according to prescribed intervals. Notably, this flight was the first operation conducted following a completed Maintenance Program Inspection (MPI).
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot losing control of the aircraft during the landing sequence.
- The aircraft's maintenance status was current, with the next scheduled inspection not due until late 2002.
- No pre-existing mechanical issues were identified as contributing to the deviation from the runway centerline.