History of Flight
On 6 October 2019, at approximately 1555Z, a Piper PA-28-140 aircraft (registration ZS-EEZ) departed Vryburg Aerodrome (FAVB) on a private flight under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The planned route was to Klerksdorp Aerodrome (FAKD) for fuel uplift, then onward to Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB). The pilot and one passenger were on board.
During takeoff from Runway 36, the aircraft made an early right turn at a height of about 12 metres above ground level, near power lines running parallel to the runway. The pilot manoeuvred to avoid the lines and narrowly cleared them. The aircraft continued in a right turn while losing altitude, then struck a road, two trees, and subsequently a property. It skidded approximately 15 metres, damaging a perimeter fence, a concrete veranda pillar, a windowpane, a garage wall and door, a parked car, and a tap, before coming to a stop.
Injuries
The pilot succumbed to injuries at the accident site. The passenger sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital after receiving first aid from paramedics. No ground injuries were reported.
Damage to Aircraft and Property
The aircraft was destroyed. The property it struck sustained damage to the fence, veranda pillar, window, garage, car, and tap.
Meteorological Conditions
Surface wind was from 300° at 14 knots gusting to 25 knots, temperature 33°C, dew point 7°C, QNH 1017 hPa, and visibility CAVOK.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft made an early right turn before reaching the required take-off height of 500 feet AGL. This placed the aircraft in a tailwind condition, increasing forward speed and causing it to reach the power lines sooner than expected. The pilot performed an evasive manoeuvre to avoid the lines and narrowly cleared them. Subsequently, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which continued in a right turn until it crashed.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the early right turn before reaching the required take-off height of 500 feet AGL, which resulted in a tailwind condition and increased forward speed, leading to a maneuver to avoid power lines and subsequent loss of control.