History of Flight
On 22 August 2010, a Piper PA28-161 aircraft, registration ZS-PPB, departed from Ladysmith Aerodrome (FALY) en route to Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) with a pilot and one passenger on board. After arriving at Treverton College Airfield near Mooi River, the pilot joined overhead at 6,600 ft and noted the wind direction as 320/15 kt for Runway 31. The pilot conducted an overhead runway inspection at approximately 150 ft AGL to assess the field for future operations. Livestock was observed on the runway; during a go-around, the livestock began moving away. The pilot then performed another runway inspection at about 100 ft AGL at an indicated airspeed of 90 kt, followed by a go-around with a left-hand turnout at 75 kt. The initial climb was positive, but airspeed rapidly decreased and the stall warning activated.
The passenger, a commercial pilot and instructor, immediately took over control. He lowered the nose to regain airspeed, selected full rich mixture and maximum power, and manoeuvred left to avoid a ridge, trees, and power lines. Despite maintaining a low nose attitude, the stall warning continued as the aircraft collided with a thatched roof structure at the airfield entrance. The aircraft came to rest 5 to 7 metres beyond the roof.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot sustained a slight injury and was treated for whiplash at a hospital in Pietermaritzburg. The passenger reported no injuries.
Damage to Aircraft and Other Damage
The aircraft was extensively damaged on impact with the thatched roof and the ground. The thatched roof structure was also damaged during the accident sequence.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 30, held a valid Private Pilot Licence with a type endorsement for the aircraft. His total flying experience was 76.3 hours, all on type. The passenger held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence with an Instructor Grade 3 rating.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA28-161, serial number 28-7816457, manufactured in 1978. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-32D3G engine and fitted with a Sensenich propeller. At the time of the accident, the total airframe hours were 5975.08; the last MPI was on 23 July 2010 at 5936.15 hours. The aircraft's weight and balance were within limits: takeoff weight at FALY was 1996.4 lbs, below the maximum certificated mass of 2325 lbs.
Meteorological Information
Surface wind was from the northwest at 15 kt, temperature 22°C, visibility greater than 10 km, and cloud and visibility were CAVOK. The pilot described conditions as CAVOK.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft collided with the thatched roof while the stall warning was still sounding. The point of impact was at the entrance to Treverton College Airfield. The aircraft then continued to rest on the ground approximately 5 to 7 metres past the roof.
Survival Aspects
The accident was considered survivable; both occupants were properly restrained and sustained only minor injuries.
Additional Information
The passenger, as a more experienced pilot, took over operation of the aircraft during the emergency.