What happened
On 30 August 2005, a Cessna 172K, registration ZS-FJT, was conducting a private aerial photography mission. The flight departed from a private aerodrome in Cullinan, Gauteng, with the pilot and two passengers on board. While the aircraft was maintaining a straight and level altitude of approximately 5,500 feet AMSL, the crew heard a dull thud within the cockpit.
Given the presence of numerous birds in the area at the time, the pilot suspected a bird strike had occurred. The pilot promptly decided to terminate the mission and returned to the departure aerodrome. The aircraft landed at the Cullinan airfield without further incident, and no injuries were reported among the three occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the impact. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's tail plane had sustained minor denting as a result of the strike. Meteorological conditions at the time of the event were favorable, with clear weather and a light north-northwest wind of 10 knots.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a bird strike.
- The impact resulted in minor structural damage to the aircraft's tail plane.
- The pilot's decision to return to the aerodrome immediately following the audible impact prevented further complications.