Piper PA-28-161 Accident at Boggoms Bay (ZS-SXR)

Accident Overview and Location On 16 April 2016, a Piper PA-28-161 aircraft, registration ZS-SXR, operated by AVIC-International Flight Training Academy, made a forced landing in open farm land near Boggoms Bay, Western Cape Province. The accident occurred at approximately 0655Z, with the site located at GPS coordinates 34º14’510” South, 021º53’280” East. The flight had departed from George Aerodrome (FAGG) for a training exercise. ## Flight History and Sequence of Events The aircraft was conducting a Part 141 training flight with a flight instructor and a student pilot on board. They were practicing simulated forced landings in the designated general flying area west of Mossel Bay. The exercises were initiated from 3,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). During the third attempt, which began at 500 feet above ground level (AGL), the instructor applied go-around power. The aircraft failed to gain altitude, and the stall warning sounded. Despite the instructor taking control and lowering the nose, the aircraft could not recover, leading to a forced landing. ## Damage and Injuries Upon touchdown, the aircraft's left wing impacted a wire fence post, resulting in substantial structural damage to the left wing. The propeller sustained superficial scratches from the fence wire. The fence post was also damaged. There were no fatalities or injuries among the two persons on board. ## Investigation Findings The investigation determined that the aircraft was serviceable, with no defects found during post-accident inspection. The engine and propeller were within operating specifications. The probable cause was identified as the flight instructor allowing the airspeed to decay below the stall speed limitations during the simulated forced landing exercise, which prevented a return to normal flight.