History of Flight
On 2 August 2013 at approximately 1310Z, the pilot of a Piper PA-36-285 (registration ZS-NOF) departed from a gravel runway at Jakkalskloof Farm, west of Porterville in the Western Cape, to conduct an agricultural crop spraying detail. After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to 300 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). The pilot noticed that the surface wind had increased substantially and struggled to maintain control. The aircraft began to descend. The pilot reduced the flap setting and increased engine manifold pressure and power to 29 inches and 2600 RPM respectively. He temporarily regained control and then turned to the right towards the lee side of a hill, away from trees in the flight path. The aircraft then encountered wind shear, which the pilot was unable to recover from. He attempted to release the fertilizer load to reduce weight, but was unsuccessful. The aircraft descended and impacted the ground.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot sustained serious injuries. No other persons were on board. There were no fatalities.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was substantially damaged. The forward engine section of the fuselage, propeller, wings, tail plane, and undercarriage sustained damage. Witness marks on the propeller indicated the engine was producing power prior to impact. Post-crash inspection revealed a 15-degree flap configuration.
Other Damage
Damage was limited to vegetation.
Meteorological Information
An official weather report from the South African Weather Services indicated wind direction 010°, wind speed 3 knots, temperature 24°C, visibility CAVOK, and no cloud cover. Pronounced vertical wind shear was forecast between 3000 and 5000 feet AGL with stronger wind above 5000 feet. Density altitude at the time was 1226 feet.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a Private Pilot Licence, valid, with type endorsement, Agricultural Pilot Rating, and Night Rating. His total flying experience was 2259 hours, with 1764 hours on type. His medical certificate was valid, with restrictions for corrective lenses and hearing aids.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-36-285 (serial number 36-7660093), manufactured in 1976. Total airframe hours at the time of accident were 4882. The last MPI was performed on 18 April 2013 at 4798 hours, 84 hours prior. The maximum take-off weight was 1996 kg; the aircraft was within this limitation. Fuel quantity was sufficient.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude and came to rest in a westerly direction in an open field surrounded by vegetation.
Survival Aspects
The accident was considered survivable due to low kinetic energy. The pilot was properly restrained by the safety harness.