What happened
On July 28, 2002, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight at Krugersdorp Aerodrome, intended for practicing forced landings. The flight commenced from Runway 08 using 10 degrees of flap. During the takeoff roll, as the aircraft reached an indicated airspeed of 75 mph, a sudden gust of wind caused the Piper 28-160, registration ZS-JXI, to sink abruptly back onto the runway surface.
Following this loss of lift, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. The plane veered toward the left, exiting the runway and eventually coming to a stop against a group of rocks. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators reviewed the circumstances surrounding the takeoff, noting that the meteorological conditions at the time involved a wind of 360 degrees at 10 knots. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was operating under a valid Student Pilot's License and that the operator held a valid license.
Technical records indicated the aircraft's maintenance status was current, with the most recent Maintenance Program Inspection (MPI) performed on July 26, 2002, just two days prior to the accident. The aircraft had accumulated only three flight hours since that inspection. The investigation also noted that the aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness issued in 1976.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff phase.
- A sudden wind gust interrupted the climb, causing the aircraft to settle back onto the runway.
- The presence of a left-hand crosswind contributed to the aircraft veering off the runway path.