History of Flight
On 15 September 2013 at 1030 UTC, a Piper Cherokee 235, registration ZS-DWJ, departed Mabalingwe Aerodrome (FAMA) on a private flight to Vryburg Aerodrome (FAVB). The aircraft carried four occupants. The takeoff was conducted from Runway 04 under visual meteorological conditions. According to the pilot, a longer than normal takeoff distance was required. Shortly after becoming airborne, turbulence was encountered and the stall warning sounded. The pilot selected 25 degrees of flaps (initially set to 0°) and turned slightly left to align the aircraft into the wind. During the turn, the stall warning again activated and the pilot reported excessive turbulence. The aircraft was unable to maintain flight, collided with trees, and then struck the ground.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries. Two other passengers were not injured. No fatalities occurred.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The left wing separated and was found under the right wing. The right wing exhibited leading edge crush damage along its entire length, with significant damage to the wing tip. The engine remained in its mountings with impact damage. The three propeller blades were substantially damaged. The nose landing gear separated and was found near the main wreckage. The baggage door opened, and contents were ejected. The tail section sustained minor damage. No parts of the airframe or control surfaces were missing.
Other Damage
The aircraft collided with trees at heights between 10 and 15 meters, causing damage to vegetation. The ground was contaminated by Avgas fuel and engine oil.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, wind was from 350° at 10 knots, visibility 10 km, temperature 35°C, no cloud cover. The density altitude was calculated to be 6,750 feet.
Aircraft Configuration and Performance
The aircraft had 25 degrees of flaps selected at the time of impact. The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) specifies 0° flaps for a normal takeoff and states that 25° flaps should only be selected before takeoff for obstacle clearance, not after. Factors reducing aircraft performance included high density altitude, a takeoff weight 100 kg below the maximum certified mass, and an upslope runway (Runway 04 had a +1% slope).
Probable Cause
The pilot stalled the aircraft after take-off resulting in the aircraft impacting vegetation and then the ground.