What happened
On 5 December 2006, a Cessna 172, registration ZS-JBO, was conducting a training flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome to Lanseria Aerodrome. The flight proceeded without incident, and the pilot successfully landed the aircraft at Lanseria. After taxiing to a parking bay, the pilot exited the aircraft.
Later that day, environmental conditions caused the aircraft to move. Wind gusts caused the plane to roll forward from its position in the parking bay. During this movement, the right wing struck a signpost pole, resulting in a small dent on the leading edge of the wing. There were no injuries and no other damage to the aircraft was reported.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the movement of the aircraft at the parking bay. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid private pilot's licence and that the aircraft's maintenance, including the most recent MPI, was up to date. The weather at the time of the movement was clear, with temperatures around 31˚C and winds from the northeast at 13 knots.
Findings
- The pilot failed to properly engage the parking brake or secure the aircraft with chocks after landing.
- Wind conditions provided sufficient force to initiate the forward roll of the aircraft.
- The impact with the signpost was limited to a slight dent on the wing's leading edge.