What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-02-02 involved a Piper PA-20, registration ZS-LHG, at Angels’ Way aerodrome near Eston, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, exacerbated by the pilot's lack of experience operating tailwheel aircraft.

Loss of Control Leads to Aircraft Destruction at Angels’ Way

A Piper PA-20 veered off the runway during takeoff at Angels’ Way aerodrome, resulting in a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft.

What happened

On 2 February 2012, a Piper PA-20, registration ZS-LHG, was performing a second takeoff from runway 04 at Angels’ Way aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal. After completing an initial circuit and landing, the pilot taxied back to the threshold of runway 04. As the aircraft reached an indicated airspeed of approximately 70 mph, the pilot lost directional control, causing the plane to veer sharply to the right.

The aircraft departed the runway surface and traveled 112 meters through a grassy area. During this excursion, the aircraft struck a pile of building rubble that was hidden by vegetation, causing the plane to nose over and come to rest upside down in a ditch. A fire broke out near the auxiliary fuel tank, which subsequently exploded. The pilot managed to escape the wreckage and assist the unconscious second occupant before the fire consumed the entire airframe.

Both occupants sustained injuries, including facial lacerations and a fractured finger and vertebra for the passenger. The farm manager arrived shortly after the impact to transport the crew to a hospital in Pietermaritzburg.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation noted that the pilot was conducting his first flight in the Piper PA-20 since completing a type conversion 57 days prior. Although the pilot was flying under supervision with an experienced crew member, the transition to tailwheel aircraft characteristics was a significant factor.

Investigators also assessed the aerodrome's layout, noting that runway 04 features a substantial downward slope and a rightward camber. The weather at the time of the accident involved light winds from the northeast/east.

Findings

The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.
The pilot's limited experience with tailwheel-type aircraft contributed to the inability to maintain the aircraft's heading.
Environmental factors, including a slight runway camber to the right and a possible crosswind from the right, assisted the deviation.
The downward slope of the runway verge allowed the aircraft to travel a significant distance before striking the rubble.

Safety action

It is recommended that pilots undergoing conversion to tailwheel aircraft undergo additional dual flight training, specifically focusing on crosswind takeoff and landing techniques, under the supervision of a qualified instructor.