What happened
On May 3, 2002, a PIPER PA-140, registration ZS-FMC, was conducting instrument flight training for a student pilot's night rating. The flight departed from Grand Central Airport (FAGC) for a local training circuit. During the takeoff roll from Runway 35, the aircraft's left-hand engine cowling began flapping open once the plane reached approximately 50 feet above ground level.
In response to the mechanical issue, the pilot reduced throttle in an attempt to return to the runway. However, realizing there was insufficient runway remaining to complete a safe landing, the pilot applied full power and attempted to fly a low-level circuit to the left. As the aircraft failed to climb and began drifting toward a nearby industrial area, the pilot declared an emergency and decided to attempt a landing on Runway 17.
To avoid obstacles such as trees and smallholdings located to the left of the flight path, the pilot executed a steep right-hand turn. Realizing the aircraft lacked the altitude necessary to reach Runway 17, the pilot opted to land straight ahead in a field situated between two trees, just left of the Runway 17 threshold.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events following the emergency landing. The investigation confirmed that while the aircraft sustained damage and the impact ignited the grass, the pilot successfully used an onboard fire extinguisher to put out the flames before emergency services arrived. There were no injuries to the two occupants, and no fatalities were reported.
Findings
- The primary cause of the inability to reach the runway was that the aircraft was likely subjected to excessive induced drag following the cowling failure.
- This drag prevented the aircraft from gaining sufficient altitude to complete the intended emergency landing on Runway 17.