What happened
On the afternoon of 20 September 2022, a Dassault Aviation, Falcon 2000 with registration ZS-PKR was performing a non-scheduled domestic flight from Pietermaritzburg Airport (FAPM) to King Shaka International Airport (FALE). The aircraft, carrying two pilots and nine passengers, was operating under instrument flight rules in clear weather conditions.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 16, the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 90-95 knots when a bird, believed to be a Spur Winged Goose, took flight from the overgrown right side of the runway. Immediately following this, the crew heard a loud impact. The strike caused the aircraft to vibrate and veer toward the right side of the runway centerline. The pilot-in-and-command promptly initiated a rejected takeoff (RTO), applying maximum braking and reducing thrust to bring the aircraft to a halt. Following the stop, the crew identified that the number 2 engine fuel flow had dropped to zero.
All 0 fatalities and 0 injuries were reported, as the passengers were able to disembark the aircraft safely via the main cabin door. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including engine component failure and fuselage penetration.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the airport's wildlife management protocols. The inspection revealed that several compressor fan blades in the number 2 engine were damaged. The force of the fractured hardware was significant enough to penetrate the upper right side of the fuselage, near the aft baggage compartment bulkhead.
Regarding airport operations, records showed that a runway inspection had been performed at 1400Z, roughly 35 minutes before the departure, and no wildlife had been detected at that time. While the airport had established bird control procedures, the investigation noted that a dedicated wildlife control officer had not yet been appointed, leaving the responsibility for monitoring to air traffic control and rescue personnel.