Incident Overview
On 11 March 2022 at approximately 0630Z, a Cessna 170A aircraft registered as ZS-PJD was on a private flight from East London Airport to Swellendam Airfield under visual meteorological conditions. The pilot, accompanied by two passengers, encountered deteriorating weather en route and diverted to Darlington Dam Lodge Airstrip, where conditions were reported as fine.
Landing Sequence
The pilot attempted to land on Runway 20. During touchdown, the aircraft bounced and veered to the left. The pilot then applied excessive right rudder to correct, causing the aircraft to turn right and veer off the runway to the right, colliding with a parked Cessna aircraft registered ZU-JGM. Both aircraft sustained substantial damage to their wings, fuselage, and propellers. The pilot and passengers were not injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Cessna 170A (serial number 18743), had a total of 4380.5 airframe hours at the time of the accident. The pilot held a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence with 3670 total flying hours, including 37 hours on type, and a valid Class 1 medical certificate.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that it is likely the aircraft's approach for landing was unstable, resulting in the aircraft bouncing and losing directional control before colliding with a parked aircraft on the right side of the runway. No contributory factors were identified.