Propeller Damage During Hard Landing at Grand Central Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • On runway 35 at Grand Central Aerodrome, ZA

A private Piper PA34-220T experienced a hard landing and subsequent propeller strikes during an approach to Grand Central Aerodrome.

What happened

On 24 May 2005, a PIPER PA34-220T, registered ZS-MNJ, was conducting a private flight from Kruger Mpumalanga International Aerodrome to Grand Central Aerodrome. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and four passengers. During the approach to runway 35, the pilot configured the aircraft with 10 degrees of flaps at an indicated airspeed of 100 knots.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a heavy landing that resulted in the plane bouncing twice along the runway surface. Following the initial bounce, the pilot applied power and initiated a go-around procedure. A second landing attempt was completed successfully without further complications. While there were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the five occupants, a post-event inspection revealed that both propeller blades had struck the runway.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by a pilot error of judgment that resulted in a hard landing and subsequent bounces, leading the propeller blades to strike the runway surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-05-24 Piper PA34-220T accident near On runway 35 at Grand Central Aerodrome, ZA?

A private Piper PA34-220T experienced a hard landing and subsequent propeller strikes during an approach to Grand Central Aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-05-24 involved a Piper PA34-220T, registration ZS-MNJ, at On runway 35 at Grand Central Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by a pilot error of judgment that resulted in a hard landing and subsequent bounces, leading the propeller blades to strike the runway surface.

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