History of Flight
On 21 October 2008, the pilot telephonically filed a VFR flight plan for a private flight from Rand Aerodrome to Ficksburg Aerodrome. The aircraft had been fuelled to full capacity of 94 US gallons the previous day. The pilot, accompanied by five passengers, took off from Runway 35 at Rand Aerodrome at approximately 0609Z. Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot retracted the undercarriage and executed a left-hand turn in a westerly direction. The pilot then transmitted on VHF frequency 118.7 MHz to the air traffic controller at Rand Aerodrome, requesting permission to execute an emergency landing. No further communication was received. During the left-hand turn with the undercarriage extended, the aircraft lost height. The left-hand wing and nose wheel impacted a heap of rubble just prior to an open grass/sand area at the Wesbank Raceway near Gosforth Park, approximately 1.9 km (1.1 nm) west of the threshold of Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome. During the impact sequence, the aircraft cart-wheeled and burst into flames approximately 56 metres from the initial impact point. The aircraft was destroyed by fire, and all six occupants were fatally injured.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot and five passengers sustained fatal injuries.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed by impact and the post-impact fire.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 55, held a private pilot licence issued on 24 October 2006. He had a total flying experience of 297.29 hours, with 176.29 hours on type. His aviation medical certificate was valid from 4 August 2008 to 31 August 2009 with no restrictions.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA32R-300, serial number 32R-7780024, manufactured in 1977. The engine was a Lycoming IO-540 K1D5G, and the propeller was a Hartzell HC-C3YR-IRF. The maximum allowable takeoff weight was 3600 lbs. The calculated takeoff weight was approximately 3860.7 lbs, exceeding the maximum certificated mass by about 260 lbs. The centre of gravity was within limits.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, weather at Rand Aerodrome was fine with no clouds, temperature 18°C, and wind from 360° at 10 knots.
Communications
Rand Aerodrome was manned. The pilot made a single transmission requesting an emergency landing; no further communication followed. The communication equipment was serviceable.
Aerodrome Information
Rand Aerodrome has two runways. The aircraft took off from Runway 35 and attempted an emergency landing approximately 1.1 nm northwest of the threshold of Runway 17.
Probable Cause
The aircraft failed to gain sufficient height after it became airborne, with the aircraft in a high nose-up attitude towards the end of Runway 35. The pilot was unable to correct the situation by lowering the nose of the aircraft as there were obstacles ahead such as trees, high tension wires and buildings. Runway 29 would have been a better option since it is 5446 ft long which is 646 ft longer than that of Runway 35 without any obstacles ahead. Contributory Factor: The aircraft was overloaded by approximately 260 lbs.