Factual Information
A Piper PA28R-200 aircraft, registration ZS-MHA, operated by TAS Flite School cc, was involved in an accident on 24 August 2008 at 1145 UTC. The flight was a private visual flight rules (VFR) departure from Rand Aerodrome (FAGM), runway 35. Witnesses reported the aircraft was slow and low during the climb phase. While overhead a golf course, the aircraft lost altitude. The left-hand wing struck trees and separated, and the aircraft crashed into a shallow stream adjacent to the Germiston Golf Course. A post-impact fire occurred, limited to the engine, firewall, and forward cabin.
Injuries
All three occupants sustained fatal injuries. The pilot and front-seat passenger were initially injured and transported to hospital, but later succumbed to their injuries. The rear-seat passenger was fatally injured at the accident site. The pilot and front-seat passenger were Nigerian nationals; the rear passenger was a South African national.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed. Damage included separation of both wings at the wing root, fire damage to the engine and cabin, and separation of the tail section. The left wingtip was found at the base of a tree. The fuel selector was set to the left tank position.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions were CAVOK, with wind from 340° at 10 knots, temperature 23°C, QNH 1022 hPa, and density altitude 7,404 feet.
Probable Cause
The aircraft was rotated too early during the take-off roll causing it to gain insufficient speed, which resulted in the aircraft entering into a stall. A contributory remark noted that the pilot rotated at an insufficient take-off distance as a result of high density altitude.