Accident Overview
On 27 July 2003 at 1300Z, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration ZS-EVJ) operated by a training organisation under accreditation CAA/0074 was involved in a runway excursion during landing at FAPA (Port Alfred). The student pilot had just completed a solo cross-country exercise and landed on Runway 10. After applying brakes, the aircraft veered off the right-hand side of the runway.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a PA-28-140, had its last mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) certified on 20 June 2003 at 8,106 airframe hours. By the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated an additional 96 hours. The pilot was a student pilot with a valid license, holding 78.9 total flying hours, of which 58.5 were on type. The flight was a solo training operation.
Weather and Location
Meteorological conditions were reported as CAVOK with calm winds and a temperature of 20°C. The accident occurred on Runway 10 at FAPA. No ATC involvement is mentioned in the source.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to its left wing, propeller, engine mount, and nose gear. There were no injuries; the sole occupant (the pilot) was unharmed.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the report, is that the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft after landing and departed the right-hand side of the runway.