What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-01-30 involved a Cessna 210 Centurion, registration ZS-MKN, at Runway 27 at Welgevondenfontein West Aerodrome, ZA.

Cessna T210M Veers Off Runway After Wheels Enter Furrow at Welgevondenfontein West (ZS-MKN)

On January 30, 2012, a Cessna 210 Centurion (registration ZS-MKN) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 27 at Welgevondenfontein West Aerodrome, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway because the main landing gear and the nose wheel entered a furrow which had been caused by recent rain. 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 API Editorial standards

A Cessna T210M, registration ZS-MKN, veered off runway 27 at Welgevondenfontein West Aerodrome during taxi when its main wheel entered a furrow caused by recent rain. The propeller struck the ground; no injuries were reported.

History of Flight

On 30 January 2012 at 0605Z, a private pilot conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) scenic flight was taxiing on Runway 27 at Welgevondenfontein West Aerodrome, Gauteng, in preparation for takeoff. The pilot reported that the right main wheel entered a furrow on the runway surface. Control was lost, and the aircraft veered to the right of the runway. Subsequently, the nose wheel also entered the furrow, causing the nose section to drop and the rotating propeller to strike the ground. The propeller blades were damaged. No persons on board (pilot and one passenger) were injured. The accident occurred in daylight with CAVOK meteorological conditions, temperature 22°C, calm wind, visibility 10 km.

Circumstances

The investigation revealed that the furrow had been caused by rain that fell a few days prior to the incident. The pilot was properly licensed and rated, and the aircraft held a valid certificate of airworthiness and registration. No mechanical defects were reported before or after the occurrence. The runway edges had been damaged by recent rainfall. After the incident, the runway owner repaired the furrow.

Conclusion

The aircraft veered off the runway because the main landing gear and the nose wheel entered a furrow which had been caused by recent rain.

Probable cause