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Piper PA28RT-201T, ZS-MWN, Collision with Trees During Take-off at Umfolozi Aerodrome

On Runway 05 at Umfolozi Aerodrome, ZA

On May 15, 2005, a Piper PA28RT-201T (registration ZS-MWN) was involved in an aviation accident near On Runway 05 at Umfolozi Aerodrome, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In an attempt to avoid a collision with a wild animal on the runway, the pilot allowed the aircraft to drift to the left-hand side of the runway. The left-hand wingtip contacted some trees causing the aircraft to veer off the runway to the left. 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 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On 15 May 2005, a Piper PA28RT-201T (ZS-MWN) on a private flight from Umfolozi to Newcastle struck a tree during take-off after the pilot attempted to avoid an Impala on the runway. The aircraft veered left and sustained substantial damage. No injuries were reported.

Synopsis

On 15 May 2005, at 1045Z, a Piper PA28RT-201T aircraft, registration ZS-MWN, operated under private category, was conducting a flight from Umfolozi Aerodrome to Newcastle Aerodrome. The pilot, aged 51, held a valid private pilot licence and had accumulated 672.84 total flying hours, with 331.84 hours on type. The aircraft was occupied by the pilot and two passengers.

Sequence of Events

During the take-off run on Runway 05 at Umfolozi Aerodrome, the pilot observed an Impala on the right-hand side of the runway moving toward the runway. As an avoiding manoeuvre, the pilot allowed the aircraft to drift to the left-hand side of the runway. The left-hand wingtip subsequently collided with a tree adjacent to the left side of the runway. The drag from the wingtip contact caused the aircraft to veer left and depart the runway. The aircraft then collided with vegetation beside the runway, sustaining damage to the undercarriage, wings, engine, propeller, and fuselage.

Aerodrome Information

Umfolozi Aerodrome is an unlicensed aerodrome, placing responsibility for operational safety on the pilot.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft's last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was certified on 10 December 2004 at 2070.84 airframe hours. The aircraft had accumulated an additional 28 hours of flight time since that inspection. According to the last Maintenance Report on file with the CAA, all applicable Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins, and Service Letters were complied with during the MPI. The aircraft model held a US FAA Type Certificate no. 2A13, which was accepted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

Meteorological Information

Surface wind was 060° at 15 knots, temperature 20°C, and visibility was CAVOK.

Injuries and Damage

No injuries were reported among the occupants. The aircraft sustained significant damage to its undercarriage, wings, engine, propeller, and fuselage.

Probable cause

In an attempt to avoid a collision with a wild animal on the runway, the pilot allowed the aircraft to drift to the left-hand side of the runway. The left-hand wingtip contacted some trees causing the aircraft to veer off the runway to the left.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 May 2005 Piper PA28RT-201T accident near On Runway 05 at Umfolozi Aerodrome, ZA?

On 15 May 2005, a Piper PA28RT-201T (ZS-MWN) on a private flight from Umfolozi to Newcastle struck a tree during take-off after the pilot attempted to avoid an Impala on the runway. The aircraft veered left and sustained substantial damage. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 May 2005 Piper PA28RT-201T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 May 2005 involved a Piper PA28RT-201T, registration ZS-MWN, at On Runway 05 at Umfolozi Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In an attempt to avoid a collision with a wild animal on the runway, the pilot allowed the aircraft to drift to the left-hand side of the runway. The left-hand wingtip contacted some trees causing the aircraft to veer off the runway to the left.

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