What happened
On 12 March 2010, a Cessna 172E, registration ZS-EDT, was involved in a ground incident at Nelspruit Aerodrome. The pilot was performing routine circuits and landings as part of a private flight. After completing the maneuvers, the pilot vacated the runway and began taxiing along the taxiway passing the Lowveld Aeroclub maintenance area.
As the aircraft proceeded toward the fuel bay, the pilot noted a vehicle, a bakkie, parked on the opposite side of the taxiway near a hangar. While navigating the narrow and slightly sloped taxiway, the pilot focused on maintaining clearance from another aircraft on the left. During this maneuver, the right wing of the Cessna 172E struck a black box that was protruding from the cargo section of the parked bakkie. The pilot immediately applied the brakes following the impact. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wingtip.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the weather conditions at the time of the incident were favorable, with clear visibility and light winds, ruling out meteorological factors. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly maintained, held a valid certificate of airworthiness, and was in good operational condition with no mechanical defects contributing to the event.
Findings
- The bakkie was illegally parked in an area of the airfield not designated for vehicle parking.
- The object involved in the collision—a black box—was difficult to perceive because it was dark-colored and set against a dark background.
- The pilot's attention was divided between clearing the parked vehicle on the right and avoiding another aircraft on the left.
- The pilot held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate at the time of the occurrence.