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Piper PA-38-112 Stall During Takeoff at Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome (ZS-KFU)

Outside the perimeter of runway 26 at Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome, ZA

On February 19, 2007, a Piper PA38 Tomahawk (registration ZS-KFU) was involved in an aviation accident near Outside the perimeter of runway 26 at Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled during a right-hand turn after takeoff and the pilot was unable to recover due to low airspeed at a low altitude. 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 19 February 2007, a Piper PA-38-112 (ZS-KFU) stalled during a right turn after takeoff at Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome. The overloaded aircraft struck the ground, resulting in a post-impact fire and injuries to both occupants.

Flight History and Accident Sequence On 19 February 2007, a Piper PA-38-112, registration ZS-KFU, departed Springs Aerodrome for Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome. The flight was a training operation involving an instructor and a student pilot. After landing at Pietersburg to view an aircraft for sale, the crew refuelled the aircraft to its full capacity of 30 US gallons of avgas before preparing for the return flight to Springs. The aircraft took off from runway 08 with no flaps. The student pilot initially had control, rotating at approximately 65-70 knots with an initial climb rate of about 400 feet per minute. As the aircraft began to slow, the instructor took control and lowered the nose. Due to high terrain at the end of the runway, the instructor attempted a right-hand turn using a minimal angle of bank. The aircraft lost altitude, stalled during the turn, and struck the ground outside the perimeter of runway 26.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled during a right-hand turn after takeoff and the pilot was unable to recover due to low airspeed at a low altitude.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Feb 2007 Piper PA38 Tomahawk accident near Outside the perimeter of runway 26 at Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome, ZA?

On 19 February 2007, a Piper PA-38-112 (ZS-KFU) stalled during a right turn after takeoff at Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome. The overloaded aircraft struck the ground, resulting in a post-impact fire and injuries to both occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Feb 2007 Piper PA38 Tomahawk accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Feb 2007 involved a Piper PA38 Tomahawk, registration ZS-KFU, at Outside the perimeter of runway 26 at Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled during a right-hand turn after takeoff and the pilot was unable to recover due to low airspeed at a low altitude.

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