Piper PA-25-260 Stall During Takeoff at Parys Aerodrome (ZS-JTW)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 6 February 2014, a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA-25-260, registration ZS-JTW, was destroyed in a crash at Parys Aerodrome (FAPY) in the Free State. The aircraft was operating an agricultural crop-spraying exercise. The pilot, a 52-year-old commercial pilot with 5,345.8 total hours and 47 hours on type, took off from Runway 06 at 17:20Z. The flight was intended to proceed to a crop-spraying site 30 nautical miles away, with Parys Aerodrome listed as the next intended landing point. ## Sequence of Events During the initial climb, the pilot reported experiencing turbulence at approximately 100 feet above ground level, which was attributed to a nearby thunderstorm. The indicated airspeed remained at 80 mph, but the aircraft began to lose altitude. The pilot turned right into the wind to a heading of approximately 080 degrees, then turned left to avoid high ground. Despite full throttle and the fuel pump being on, the aircraft continued to descend and impacted an open field approximately 800 meters from the threshold of Runway 06. ## Injuries, Damage, and Meteorological Conditions The pilot sustained minor injuries and was properly restrained by safety harnesses. The aircraft sustained extensive damage to the propeller, fuselage, and wings, and the undercarriage broke off. There was no pre- or post-impact fire. Meteorological information indicated easterly winds at 10 knots, good visibility, and a cloud base of 1,000 feet. The South African Weather Service confirmed thunderstorms in the area at the time of the accident. ## Investigation Findings and Probable Cause The investigation determined that the pilot was properly rated, medically fit, and that the aircraft was properly maintained with no defects or malfunctions. Propeller marks indicated the engine had power prior to the accident. The airspeed decayed during takeoff as a result of a high angle of attack, leading to a stall. The probable cause was the failure to maintain flying speed, resulting in a stall and subsequent crash. Thunderstorm activity at night was identified as a contributory factor.