Summary
On 3 July 2021, at 0848Z, a Cessna 208B aircraft, registration ZS-JEM, operated under Part 135 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations, experienced an accident during taxi at Lapalala Private Airstrip in Limpopo Province. The aircraft sustained substantial damage when its right wing tip collided with a tree. None of the three occupants were injured.
The Accident
The flight departed from O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR) in Gauteng Province, bound for Lapalala Private Airstrip. The crew consisted of two pilots and a third crew member. The co-pilot, serving as pilot flying (PF), was seated on the right side, while the pilot-in-command acted as pilot monitoring (PM) on the left. The flight was conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) in clear weather conditions and was uneventful until after landing.
After landing on Runway 03, during taxi, the PM asked the PF if low idle could be selected. The PF agreed, and the PM selected low idle while the PF began positioning the aircraft for parking with the power lever at idle. The crew observed people (passengers) standing in the parking area and two vehicles parked to the north-west of the aircraft parking area. Both pilots were concerned about the proximity of the passengers and vehicles. To reduce the risk of an incident, the PF executed a wide left turn to steer the aircraft away from the vehicles. During this turn, the right wing tip struck a tree on the runway edge, causing damage to the aircraft.
Aircraft and Crew Information
- Aircraft: Cessna 208B, registration ZS-JEM
- Total Aircraft Hours: 14,010.8
- Pilot-in-Command: Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane), valid; total flying hours 2,362.2; on type ±643.9 hours; female; age 32
- Co-pilot (PF): Licensed; total hours not specified in source
- Occupants: 2 pilots + 1 crew member (3 total)
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing tip. The occupants were not injured.
Probable Cause
The co-pilot misjudged the aircraft’s proximity to the trees, resulting in the right-wing tip colliding with a tree during execution of a wide left turn whilst taxiing to the aircraft parking area.
Safety Actions and Messages
- Safety Action: The airport operator was advised to remove the trees as they are very close to the runway.
- Safety Messages:
1. To avoid injuries and damage to property, pilots are advised to always manoeuvre in confined spaces only when there is a wing walker monitoring each wing and tail of the aircraft where feasible; when not feasible, to rather stop on the runway until obstacles (vehicles or passengers) are removed. 2. Operators are advised to incorporate a clear procedure which will give guidance to pilots on what to do when faced with situations as detailed in this report.