What happened
On May 3, 2003, a Cessna P206 D, registration ZS-IWW, was involved in a ground incident at Walkersons aerodrome. After completing a passenger drop-off, the pilot began taxiing the aircraft, backtracking along Runway 34 toward the holding point for Runway 16. During the turn at the end of the runway, the left wheel moved beyond the paved surface and onto the edge of the runway. This area featured a steep embankment, causing the aircraft to slide down the slope.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the excursion. The investigation established that the weather conditions at the time were CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) with a light 5-knot northerly wind. The aircraft was being operated by a private pilot. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance was up to date, having flown only five hours since its last maintenance inspection (MPI). The aircraft sustained minor damage in the incident, and the pilot escaped without injury.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the pilot taxied too close to the runway edge, leading to the loss of control over the aircraft's position relative to the pavement.
- The presence of a steep embankment at the end of the runway contributed to the aircraft sliding down the slope once the left wheel left the runway surface.