What happened
On the evening of 12 January 2018, a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA44-180, registration ZS-SWS, was conducting night circuit training at Beaufort West (FABW). The flight, operated under Part 91 regulations, involved a student pilot and an instructor. Following an uneventful takeoff, the aircraft completed its first touchdown on Runway 26. However, during the subsequent touch-and-go maneuver, the aircraft began drifting toward the right side of the runway. Although the instructor attempted to intervene and take control, the drift continued, causing the aircraft to exit the runway. The aircraft eventually came to a halt approximately 100 meters west of the runway, positioned in the direction of the landing.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the excursion and the condition of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft, which had accumulated 2243.2 airframe hours, had been maintained in accordance with manufacturer requirements. The most recent mandatory periodic inspection had been completed in December 2017. At the time of the incident, the student pilot had logged 100.2 total flight hours, with 10.1 hours specifically on this aircraft type. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions, with CAVOK visibility and light winds, and investigators determined that weather was not a factor in the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the student pilot losing control of the aircraft during the touch-and-go procedure.
- The incident was characterized by a loss of directional control.
- The investigation identified poor technique as a contributing factor to the excursion.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the right main landing gear, the right flap, and the leading edge of the left wing tip.
- There were 0 injuries to the occupants.