Accident Overview
On 1 September 2003 at 08:00Z, a Piper PA-22-108, registration ZS-CBN, departed from a private runway in Leeudoringstad for a flight to Potchefstroom. The aircraft was operated under private category. There was one person on board, the pilot. No injuries or fatalities were recorded.
Sequence of Events
During takeoff on runway 01, the pilot encountered a crosswind and applied left aileron. After the aircraft accelerated to rotation speed, the pilot slowly pulled back on the yoke. The nose wheel lifted, and a sudden gust caused the left wing to lift, moving the aircraft to the right. The pilot then applied full left rudder and kept the left aileron into the wind, but there was no response. The main wheel struck a bump to the right of the runway, and the aircraft became airborne for a few seconds. At that time, the pilot observed that the airspeed was below 50 mph and insufficient to continue the takeoff. He closed the throttle and mixture, then pulled the yoke back. The nose wheel failed, and the aircraft nosed over onto its roof. The pilot escaped with minor bruises.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-22-108, registration ZS-CBN. The last MPI (Mandatory Periodic Inspection) was conducted on 28 July 2003 at 4,962 flying hours. The aircraft had flown 70 hours since that inspection.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a valid private pilot license. Total flying experience was 222.8 hours, with 60.9 hours on the PA-22-108 type. The pilot's age was 25.
Probable Cause
Due to excessive crosswind, the pilot lost directional control during takeoff.