History of Flight
The pilot-in-command, serving as pilot flying (PF), was conducting his first flight on a Piper PA-20 after completing a conversion on that type 57 days earlier. He was accompanied by a pilot rated on the type, as a recommendation called for 10 hours of pilot-in-command under supervision (PICUS). After a pre-flight inspection, the PF took off from runway 04, flew one circuit, and landed on runway 22. He then backtracked to the threshold of runway 04 for a second takeoff. At approximately 70 mph indicated airspeed, the PF lost directional control. Before the pilot-not-flying (PNF) could intervene, the aircraft veered right off the runway, rolled downhill through grass for 112 m, and struck a heap of building rubble concealed in vegetation. The aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted in a ditch. The PF remained conscious, freed the unconscious PNF, and pulled him from the wreckage. A fire erupted near the auxiliary fuel tank, and the wreckage was consumed by fire. The farm manager transported both occupants to hospital in Pietermaritzburg.
Injuries
Both occupants sustained injuries. The PF suffered minor injuries; the PNF sustained serious injuries, including facial lacerations requiring stitches, a fractured finger, and a compressed vertebra. No fatalities occurred.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire. Only the spinner, propeller, and tail wheel remained.
Probable Cause
Loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.