What happened
On 11 March 2022, a Cessna 170A, registration ZS-PJD, departed East London Airport for Swellendam Airfield. While en route, the pilot encountered worsening weather conditions characterized by low coastal clouds. To avoid the deteriorating weather, the pilot opted to divert to Darlington Dam Lodge Airstrip in the Eastern Cape.
Upon arriving at the airstrip, the aircraft touched down on Runway 20. During the landing sequence, the aircraft bounced off the runway surface and veered toward the left. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied excessive right rudder. This overcorrection caused the nose to swing to the right, leading the aircraft to exit the runway and strike a parked ZU-JGM aircraft. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselages, and propellers of both aircraft. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence and a current Class 1 medical certificate. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that a mandatory periodic inspection had been completed in October 2021, and the Certificate of Airworthiness was valid at the time of the event.
Meteorological data and satellite imagery confirmed the presence of low-level cloud cover along the coastal route and near the diversion airfield. The investigation also examined the mechanics of the aircraft's bounce, noting that such occurrences often stem from an improper touchdown attitude or excessive sink rate, which can lead to a sudden increase in lift and subsequent loss of directional control.