Introduction
On 12 January 2018 at 1820Z, a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA44-180 (registration ZS-SWS) was involved in an accident during circuit training at Beaufort West Airport (FABW). The aircraft was operating under Part 91 with two persons on board: a student pilot and an instructor. No injuries were reported.
Sequence of Events
The student and instructor conducted an uneventful taxi and take-off from Runway 26 for night circuit training. During the first touch and go, the aircraft began to drift to the right. The student lost control, and the instructor took over, but the aircraft continued to drift. It exited the runway on the right-hand side and came to rest 100 meters west of the runway, facing the direction of landing.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft had accumulated 2243.2 airframe hours at the time of the accident. The last mandatory periodic inspection took place on 14 December 2017 at 2196.1 hours, and the aircraft had flown 47.1 hours since then. The aircraft had no reported defects. The damage included the leading edge of the left wing, the right main gear, and the right flap.
Weather
Meteorological conditions were reported as wind 180° at 10 knots, CAVOK, and temperature 20°C. The weather was fine and did not contribute to the accident.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause was the student pilot losing control of the aircraft during the touch and go, specifically a loss of directional control attributed to poor technique.