No fatalities

Cessna 172 Collides with Illegally Parked Vehicle at Nelspruit Aerodrome (ZS-EDT)

Nelspruit Aerodrome, ZA

On March 12, 2010, a Cessna 172 (registration ZS-EDT) was involved in an aviation accident near Nelspruit Aerodrome, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently collided with an object protruding from a bakkie which was illegally parked next to a taxi way. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172 (ZS-EDT) operated by Unique Flight Academy collided with an object protruding from a bakkie illegally parked next to a taxiway at Nelspruit Aerodrome on 12 March 2010. No injuries occurred; the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

History of Flight

On 12 March 2010 at 0800Z, a Cessna 172 (ZS-EDT) operated by Unique Flight Academy was conducting circuits and landings at Nelspruit Aerodrome. After vacating the runway, the pilot took the taxiway that runs past the Lowveld Aeroclub. While taxiing, she observed a bakkie parked to the right of the taxiway and continued, believing the taxiway was clear. However, the aircraft collided with a black box protruding from the bakkie against a dark background. The bakkie was illegally parked in an area not designated for parking.

Injuries

No injuries were reported. There were no fatalities.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wingtip.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the incident, surface wind was 260° at 20 knots, temperature was 18°C, and visibility was CAVOK.

Probable Cause

The pilot inadvertently collided with an object protruding from a bakkie which was illegally parked next to a taxiway.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Mar 2010 Cessna 172 accident near Nelspruit Aerodrome, ZA?

A Cessna 172 (ZS-EDT) operated by Unique Flight Academy collided with an object protruding from a bakkie illegally parked next to a taxiway at Nelspruit Aerodrome on 12 March 2010. No injuries occurred; the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Mar 2010 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Mar 2010 involved a Cessna 172, registration ZS-EDT, at Nelspruit Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot inadvertently collided with an object protruding from a bakkie which was illegally parked next to a taxi way.