History of Flight
On 06 July 2008, the pilot departed on a private flight from Pyramid Aerodrome in the Barberton area to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (FAKN). The pilot reported encountering rough, turbulent weather on approach to FAKN and had trouble taxiing in a straight line after landing, which she attributed to wind conditions.
After landing at FAKN, the pilot took off again for the return flight to Pyramid Aerodrome. On approach for landing on Runway 33, it was slightly difficult to see through the front windshield due to scattering of the sun's rays with the sun setting; the best view was through the side window. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced slightly on the main wheels. As it touched down again, the aircraft veered to the right. Although the pilot applied full left rudder and toe brakes, the aircraft continued veering right and departed the runway into tall grass approximately 150 metres after initial touchdown. The nose landing gear collapsed during the accident sequence, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The pilot was not injured.
The owner of Pyramid Aerodrome, who observed the landing, reported hearing a grating noise when the aircraft bounced before it veered off.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Mooney M20K, serial number 25-0234, manufactured by Mooney Aircraft Incorporated in 1980. It had a total airframe time of 1330.0 hours at the time of the accident. The last mandatory periodic inspection was on 16 January 2008 at 1288.0 airframe hours. The aircraft was equipped with a Continental TSIO-360-GB1 engine and a McCauley 2A34C2 216B propeller. All airworthiness certificates were valid.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 31-year-old female, held a Commercial pilot licence and was type-endorsed on the Mooney M20K. Her total flying experience was 1136.55 hours, with 19.35 hours on type. She had a valid medical certificate and no previous accidents.
Aerodrome Information
Pyramid Aerodrome is a private airstrip with a grass runway. Runway 33 was 1200 metres long. According to information from the AMO that recovered the aircraft, Runway 33 has a down slope from the left-hand side to the right-hand side, which makes it difficult to control the aircraft during landing.
Meteorological Information
Weather at the time was fine with wind direction 300°M at 5 knots, temperature 22 °C, visibility 10 km, and no cloud cover.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft veered off the runway into tall grass. The nose landing gear collapsed, and substantial damage occurred to the nose gear, outboard leading edges of both wings, propeller, and engine. There was no pre- or post-impact fire.
Findings
The aircraft had valid certificates and was properly maintained. The pilot was correctly licensed and qualified. No mechanical defects were found that could have contributed to the accident.