What happened
On 30 April 2005, a Fairchild SA227, registration ZS-OJH, was conducting a domestic flight from Bloemfontein Aerodrome to George Aerodrome. Upon arriving at George, the pilot initiated a visual approach to Runway 29 under clear weather conditions.
As the aircraft was decelerating during the landing roll, the pilot engaged full reverse thrust on both engines at a ground speed of roughly 80 knots. At that moment, the crew heard a heavy thumping sound accompanied by noticeable vibrations originating from the right-hand engine. The pilot observed a rapid increase in the Intermediate Turbine Temperature (ITT) on the right engine and promptly executed an engine shutdown. The aircraft was then taxied to the parking area, where the left engine was also shut down.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure and the physical evidence at the site. A post-incident visual inspection of the aircraft revealed that a propeller blade on the right-hand engine had sustained damage. This damage was attributed to a collision with an antelope that had run across the runway during the landing phase. Additionally, investigators located evidence of the animal strike on the underside of the fuselage, though this area showed no structural damage.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine malfunction was an animal strike involving an antelope.
- The impact occurred during the landing roll on Runway 29.
- The right-hand engine suffered propeller blade damage and subsequent temperature increases following the collision.
- There were no injuries to the crew members on board.