What happened
On September 1, 2003, a PA 22-108, registration ZS-CBN, departed from a private runway in the Leeudoringstad area, intending to fly to Potchefstroom. During the takeoff roll, the pilot encountered significant crosswind conditions and attempted to compensate by applying left aileron. As the aircraft reached rotation speed and the pilot began to lift the nose, a sudden gust caused the left wing to lift, forcing the aircraft toward the right side of the runway.
In an attempt to maintain the centerline, the pilot applied full left rudder and maintained left aileron input, but the aircraft failed to respond to these controls. The aircraft's main wheel subsequently struck a bump on the right side of the runway, causing the plane to become airborne briefly. Realizing the airspeed had dropped below 50 mph—insufficient to sustain the takeoff—the pilot closed the throttle and mixture and pulled back on the yoke. This maneuver caused the nose gear to fail, resulting in the aircraft nosed over onto its roof. The pilot sustained minor bruises but escaped the wreckage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of aerodynamic inputs and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical state, noting that the last maintenance inspection (MPI) had been completed on July 28, 2003, with 70 flight hours accumulated since that check. The investigation also analyzed the impact of the runway surface and the specific meteorological conditions present during the departure.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was excessive crosswind which led to a loss of directional control.
- A sudden gust during the rotation phase caused an uncontrolled wing lift.
- The aircraft's interaction with a bump on the runway surface contributed to the loss of stability.
- The pilot's inability to maintain the runway centerline despite corrective rudder and aileron inputs led to the eventual nose-over.