What happened
On 27 February 2026, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registered ZS-CJG, departed Bram Fischer International Airport for Rand Airport under visual meteorological conditions. The flight, conducted under Part 91 regulations, proceeded without issue until the arrival phase. During the approach to Runway 29, the aircraft encountered light rain.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to veer toward the right side of the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying left rudder; however, the aircraft entered an unstable oscillation. This loss of directional control caused the aircraft to exit the runway to the left, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear strut. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though there were no injuries to the two occupants on board.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft at a maintenance facility at Rand Airport. While the team confirmed that the trim controls and cables were functional, they noted that the damage to the nose gear prevented a full assessment of the rudder control rigging.
During interviews, the pilot noted that the aircraft had exhibited a tendency to roll and yaw to the right during the flight, a condition that was not corrected via rudder trim adjustment prior to landing. Meteorological data confirmed light rain and calm winds at the time of the incident. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the most recent 100-hour inspection had been completed approximately 82 hours prior to the event.
Findings
- The rudder was found in a nose-right trim position, which likely induced a rightward yaw and roll during flight.
- This trim configuration likely compromised the aircraft's directional stability during the landing roll.
- The aircraft was likely unstable during its final approach, potentially impacting the touchdown point.
- The aircraft's trim state contributed to the loss of directional control during the landing roll.