2002 Piper PA-28-235 accident at Swartkops Aerodrome (ZS-ORT)

Overview and flight details On 5 August 2002, a Piper PA-28-235 registered ZS-ORT was operating a private flight from Hoedspruit to Swartkops Aerodrome. The accident occurred at 1518Z, with the aircraft located next to Runway 02 at Swartkops Aerodrome. The pilot-in-command was a 41-year-old private pilot holding a valid licence, with 204.7 total flying hours and 75.9 hours on type. ## Accident sequence The pilot joined the circuit at Swartkops Aerodrome and positioned the aircraft to land on Runway 02. According to the pilot, the final approach was flown as usual and the landing was described as “straight and soft.” During touchdown, the aircraft veered off the runway to the left. Although the pilot attempted to correct the situation, the aircraft departed the runway surface. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the propeller and right-hand wingtip contacted the ground. ## Investigation findings Tyre marks on the runway surface indicated that the aircraft touched down on its nose wheel and left-hand main wheel. The accident report attributed the loss of directional control during landing to the pilot’s landing technique. No injuries or fatalities were reported among the two people on board.