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Runway Incursion During Touch-and-Go at Lanseria (ZS-PXH)

Runway 06L at Lanseria Aerodrome, ZA

On October 25, 2013, a Cessna 172L (registration ZS-PXH) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 06L at Lanseria Aerodrome, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Runway incursion by the service inspection vehicle, which was cleared to enter Runway 06L instead of 24R. 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 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On 25 October 2013, a Cessna 172L (ZS-PXH) conducting touch-and-go training at Lanseria Aerodrome experienced a runway incursion by Fire Truck 8, which was cleared to enter Runway 06L instead of 24R. No injuries or damage occurred.

Incident Overview

On 25 October 2013 at 1428Z, a Cessna 172L (ZS-PXH), operated by a private pilot and engaged in a training flight, was conducting touch-and-go landings at Lanseria Aerodrome (FALA). The aircraft, with one instructor and one student on board (1+1), had been cleared for a touch-and-go on Runway 24R. At the same time, Fire Truck 8 (FT8) was cleared by air traffic control (ATC) to enter Runway 06L. The pilot-in-command reported seeing a vehicle backtracking on Runway 24R (on Runway 06L, facing the aircraft). The pilot contacted ATC to inquire if they were aware of the vehicle. ATC confirmed awareness but stated that the vehicle was supposed to enter on the threshold of Runway 24R. ATC acknowledged the pilot's concern and apologised for the incident.

Weather Conditions

At the time, surface wind was 060° at 8 kt, temperature 28°C, and visibility CAVOK.

Aircraft and Personnel Information

The aircraft, a Cessna 172L (registration ZS-PXH), sustained no damage. The pilot-in-command held a commercial licence with 1,013 total flying hours (840 on type). The student had 21.61 total hours. Both were uninjured. The driver of FT8 was conducting runway inspections and had been cleared to enter Runway 06L. ATC had an air traffic control officer with 8 days solo experience on duty.

Sequence of Events

At 14:25:12Z, ZS-PXH was cleared for a touch-and-go on Runway 24R. At 14:27:13Z, FT8 was cleared to enter Runway 06L and instructed to listen out on frequency as ZS-PXH had rotated. The pilot saw FT8 backtracking on Runway 24R (on Runway 06L) and asked ATC if they were aware. ATC confirmed awareness but noted the vehicle was meant to enter on the threshold of Runway 24R. The pilot requested that the vehicle wait until the aircraft had passed the active runway. ATC apologised at 14:31:41Z. The driver of FT8 stated he had requested clearance to enter Runway 06L and did so after receiving it, later seeing the aircraft taking off from the opposite runway.

Probable Cause

The probable cause was a runway incursion by the service inspection vehicle, which was cleared to enter Runway 06L instead of Runway 24R.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Oct 2013 Cessna 172L accident near Runway 06L at Lanseria Aerodrome, ZA?

On 25 October 2013, a Cessna 172L (ZS-PXH) conducting touch-and-go training at Lanseria Aerodrome experienced a runway incursion by Fire Truck 8, which was cleared to enter Runway 06L instead of 24R. No injuries or damage occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Oct 2013 Cessna 172L accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Oct 2013 involved a Cessna 172L, registration ZS-PXH, at Runway 06L at Lanseria Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Runway incursion by the service inspection vehicle, which was cleared to enter Runway 06L instead of 24R.

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