What happened
On 29 July 2006, a Piper PA 28-235, registration ZS-EKB, was involved in an accident on the taxiway at Bethlehem Aerodrome. The aircraft was being operated on a private flight by a pilot with a valid private pilot license. During the landing sequence on Runway 29, the aircraft encountered wind shear. This atmospheric disturbance led to the collapse of the aircraft's nose gear, which subsequently resulted in a propeller strike on the runway surface.
There were no injuries reported following the incident, and the pilot was unhurt. The impact caused significant damage to the propeller, the engine, and the forward bottom engine cowlings.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's credentials. The pilot held a valid license with the appropriate type rating and a valid medical certificate. Maintenance records indicated that the last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 14 October 2005, with the aircraft having flown an additional 58 hours since that inspection.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed the status of the maintenance organization, AMO 252. Records showed that the South African Civil Aviation Authority had audited this organization in May 2006, and all identified findings had been addressed according to a submitted action plan.