Accident
On 07 September 2003, at approximately 1225Z, a Piper PA-28-180 aircraft, registration ZS-FYS, sustained damage during a landing accident at Port Alfred Aerodrome. The aircraft was operating on a private flight to the Port Alfred General Flying Area, intended to build flying hours toward the pilot's Commercial Licence. Upon returning to the aerodrome for landing on Runway 07 with full flaps, the pilot landed the aircraft on the nose wheel. This caused the aircraft to "wheelbarrow" and the pilot lost directional control. The aircraft veered off the left-hand side of the runway, and the nose undercarriage collapsed. Neither of the two occupants were injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot licence, which was valid at the time of the accident. The pilot had a total of 58.0 flying hours, with only 1.7 hours on the Piper PA-28-180 type. The aircraft, a Piper PA-28-180, had its last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) certified on 04 September 2003 at a total of 5566.0 Airframe hours. The accident occurred 13.0 hours after the MPI.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions at the time were fine, with a temperature of 31°C, wind from 160° at 8 knots, and good visibility.
Probable Cause
The pilot, with only limited experience on the type of aircraft, used the wrong technique on landing causing a loss of directional control.