Accident Details
On 3 March 2002 at 0720Z, a Piper PA-28-235 aircraft, registration ZS-DUE, was involved in an accident at Morgenzon Farm Private Aerodrome (coordinates S 24° 53’ 00’’, E 027° 49’ 00’’). The aircraft was operated as a private flight with a valid pilot license. The pilot, aged 37, had a total flying experience of 165.25 hours, including 47.8 hours on the accident aircraft type.
Flight History
The flight departed from Brakpan Aerodrome (FABB) with the intended landing at Morgenzon Farm. The pilot and three passengers were authorized by the farm owner to land at the aerodrome. The weather at the time was calm wind and CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK).
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, the approach was normal. However, after crossing the threshold and reducing power, the aircraft floated longer than anticipated. Approximately halfway down the runway, the pilot applied power and attempted to execute a go-around. At full power, the aircraft did not respond as expected, developed a nose-high attitude, and failed to gain height. The aircraft crashed approximately 100 meters past the end of the runway, colliding with a game fence and coming to rest in thorny bushes. The starboard wing separated from the aircraft and the undercarriage was destroyed. The pilot sustained minor injuries; the three passengers were not injured.
Aircraft Information
The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection was certified on 19 October 2001 at 5011.25 airframe hours. The aircraft had accumulated an additional 47.88 hours at the time of the accident.
Probable Cause
The pilot attempted a go-around after landing too deep and allowed the aircraft to end up on the wrong side of the drag curve and collided with a game fence.