What happened
On 07 November 2002, a PIPER PA-28-140, registration ZS-EXR, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Klerksdorp Aerodrome. The aircraft, operated by a flight school, was performing circuit training under favorable weather conditions, characterized by clear visibility and light winds.
During the third landing attempt of the session, the student pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. As the plane veered toward the left side of Runway 18, the pilot attempted to rectify the deviation. However, this corrective maneuver resulted in an overcorrection, triggering a ground loop that rotated the aircraft approximately 90 degrees. The force of the maneuver caused the right-hand main undercarriage to be severed from the airframe and resulted in substantial damage to the right-hand flap. No injuries were reported following the incident.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history and the operational status of the training organization. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness was valid at the time of the occurrence. Records indicated that the most recent Maintenance Period Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 26 September 2002, with the aircraft having accumulated 3eler 36 flight hours since that inspection. Additionally, the training organization held a valid accreditation and approval certificate, which was set to expire shortly after the accident.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the loss of directional control during the landing phase.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the initial veer led to an overcorrection, which initiated the ground loop.
- The structural damage, specifically the separation of the right main undercarriage, was a direct consequence of the ground loop maneuver.