Casualties unknown

2003-07-25: Piper PA30 (ZS-OBA) — Papiesvlakte. S26°23’ E024°52’, ZA

Papiesvlakte. S26°23’ E024°52’, ZA

On July 25, 2003, a Piper PA30 (registration ZS-OBA) was involved in an aviation accident near Papiesvlakte. S26°23’ E024°52’, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot taxied into a hole on the runway, causing the nose landing gear and the right-hand landing gear to collapse. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 1785104676Data APIEditorial standards

On 25 July 2003, a Piper PA-30 (ZS-OBA) landed at Papiesvlakte and taxied into a hole, collapsing the nose and right main landing gear. No injuries or fatalities occurred.

Accident Details

On 25 July 2003, at approximately 1533Z, a Piper PA-30 aircraft, registration ZS-OBA, operated as a private flight from FAGC (Grand Central Airport) to Papiesvlakte, landed on a dirt runway. After landing, the pilot taxied into a hole on the runway, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The propellers contacted the ground, and the right-hand main landing gear also collapsed, resulting in bending of the right-hand wing.

The pilot held a private license and had accumulated 456.3 total flying hours, with 2.5 hours on type in the past 90 days and 231.0 total hours on type. Two passengers were on board; no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft was a Piper PA-30 (twin-engine, fixed-wing) with registration ZS-OBA. According to available documentation, the aircraft was correctly maintained.

Meteorological Conditions

At the time of the accident, fine weather conditions prevailed. Wind was from 270 degrees at 2–3 knots, temperature was +20°C, and there was no cloud cover.

Damage

The accident resulted in collapse of the nose landing gear and right-hand main landing gear, ground contact by the propellers, and bending of the right-hand wing.

Probable cause

The pilot taxied into a hole on the runway, causing the nose landing gear and the right-hand landing gear to collapse.