Casualties unknown

2006-06-04: Cessna U206A (ZS-EJT) — Gravel road on the farm Witfontein near Wolmaranstad, ZA

Gravel road on the farm Witfontein near Wolmaranstad, ZA

On June 4, 2006, a Cessna U206A (registration ZS-EJT) was involved in an aviation accident near Gravel road on the farm Witfontein near Wolmaranstad, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot landed the aircraft on a private gravel road and in doing so, both wings collided with trees either side of the road. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 1785104676Data APIEditorial standards

On 4 June 2006, a Cessna U206A (ZS-EJT) struck trees while landing on a gravel road near Wolmaranstad. All four occupants were uninjured; the aircraft sustained wing and rudder damage.

Incident Overview

On 4 June 2006 at approximately 0745Z, a Cessna U206A (registration ZS-EJT) departed Kitty Hawk Aerodrome on a private flight to the farm Witfontein near Wolmaranstad. The aircraft carried the pilot and three passengers.

Sequence of Events

After an uneventful flight, the aircraft arrived overhead the farm. The pilot observed that the private airstrip on the farm was obstructed by bales of grass from a recent harvest. The pilot then elected to land on a road in close proximity to the runway. During the landing, the pilot touched down deeper than anticipated. As a result, the wings collided with two small trees alongside the road. The aircraft then veered to the left and collided with another tree before coming to rest.

Injuries and Damage

None of the four occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to the wingtips and leading edges of the wings, with minor damage to the rudder.

Weather Conditions

At the time, surface wind was light and variable, temperature was 20°C, visibility was CAVOK with nil cloud base.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the incident was that the pilot landed the aircraft on a private gravel road, and in doing so, both wings collided with trees either side of the road.