What happened
On 29 December 2024, a private flight departed from Potchefostroom Aerodrome (FAPS) in the North West Province, bound for Beaufort West (FABW) in the Western Cape. The flight, operated under Part 91 regulations, was being conducted by a pilot and one passenger in a Piper PA28-180, registration ZS-JLP.
During the arrival at Beaufort West, the aircraft approached Runway 26 with a 25° flaps setting at an indicated airspeed of 70 knots. Upon touchdown, the aircraft made heavy contact with the rear main wheels, triggering a bounce. This was followed by increasingly severe oscillations that caused the propeller blades to strike the runway surface. While the aircraft sustained minor damage to the propeller, the occupants remained uninjured, and the pilot was able to taxi the aircraft to the apron.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight parameters and environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The investigation reviewed the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for the Piper PA28-180, which recommends an approach speed of approximately 112 MPH (97 kts) with flaps up, adjusting for flap settings. The investigation also analyzed meteorological reports from the South African Weather Service, which noted gusty crosswind conditions at the time of the landing.
Findings
- The aircraft approached the runway at 70 knots, which was significantly slower than the recommended 97 knots.
- This excessive low approach speed led to a rapid loss of altitude and a hard touchdown.
- The resulting bounce and subsequent oscillations caused the propeller to strike the runway.
- Gusty crosswind conditions at the aerodrome acted as a contributing factor to the landing instability.