What happened
On 13 November 2003, a PIPER PA-38-112, registered as ZS-KKC, was involved in a ground incident at Robertson Aerodrome. The aircraft, operated for training purposes, was being piloted by a student with approximately 46 flying hours. Following the completion of a solo navigational flight, the pilot was taxiing toward the parking area when the left wing of the aircraft struck a suspension pole attached to a hangar door.
While there were no injuries and no fatalities, the impact resulted in structural damage to the outboard leading edge of the wing near the wing tip.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the collision and the physical environment of the aerodrome. The inquiry established that the hangar door suspension pole involved in the collision lacked clear markings, making it difficult to detect during taxiing. The investigation also reviewed the maintenance status of the aircraft, noting that the last Maintenance Program Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 25 September 2003, with 79 flight hours accumulated since that inspection.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the incident. The primary cause was the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate lookout during the taxiing phase. Additionally, the lack of visibility of the hangar pole was a significant contributing factor. The investigation noted that the specific pole had been involved in previous similar incidents at the aerodrome.
Safety action
Following the incident, an agreement was reached with the relevant authorities to paint the suspension pole. This measure was implemented to increase its visibility to aircraft taxiing near the hangar area.