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.