What happened
On 7 May 2002, a PIPER PA 34-200T, registration ZS-MHG, was operating a commercial flight involving multiple stops. The flight began at Wonderboom aerodrome, with an intended destination of a private aerodrome in Northern Botswana to collect passengers. During a takeoff from a grass runway in Botswana, the pilot performed a nose-high takeoff roll to minimize airframe vibration. Near the point of lift-off, a loud impact was heard from the right main gear, though no visible obstructions were noted on the runway.
After completing customs procedures at Francistown and later at Gateway International Airport (Pietersburg), the aircraft proceeded toward Louis Trichardt Aerodrome. During the approach and landing on Runway 28, all cockpit indications remained normal. However, upon applying brakes during the landing roll, the pilot noted the aircraft behaving as if the right-hand tire were flat. The pilot immediately released the brakes and shut down the engines to safely manage the aircraft. The incident resulted in no fatalities and no injuries, but the aircraft was unable to vacate the runway.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the sequence of events leading from the initial takeoff in Botswana to the disabled aircraft at Louis Trichardt. The inquiry focused on the mechanical state of the landing gear and the impact of previous flight segments on the airframe. The investigation looked into the pilot's actions following the perceived tire failure and the communication sent via VHF frequencies to alert Johannesburg Briefing and other aircraft of the runway obstruction.
Findings
- The aircraft had been subjected to excessive strain on the landing gear due to frequent operations on rough and unsuitable runway surfaces.
- The failure of the forward and aft trunnion fitting assemblies was a direct result of the cumulative structural stress from landing and taking off from unpaved aerodromes.