What happened
On the evening of 2 January 2023, a private flight operating under Part 91 regulations experienced a runway excursion at Grand Central Airport (FAGC) in Gauteng. The aircraft, a Cessna 172M Skyhawk with registration ZS-SMK, was conducting a series of touch-and-go landings. After completing two successful touch-and-go maneuvers on Runway 35, the aircraft was rolling at approximately 65 knots, preparing to lift off for a third circuit, when it struck a buck that had entered the runway.
The impact with the animal caused the aircraft to veer slightly to the left. In an attempt to stop the aircraft, the pilot applied heavy braking, which led to the collapse of the right-side main landing gear strut. This caused the aircraft to veer toward the right side of the runway and onto the grass. During the excursion, the right wing struck a pole before the aircraft finally came to a rest against the airport's perimeter fence. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries to the pilot and passenger, both of whom were able to exit the aircraft unassisted.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's maintenance and operational status. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent Certificate of Release to Service. The aircraft had been flown 67.3 hours since its last 100-hour mandatory periodic inspection. The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence with a night rating and a current Class 2 medical certificate.
Regarding airport operations, investigators found that while Grand Central Airport maintains agreements with the SPCA and snake wranglers for animal removal, there was no formal animal control programme in place due to infrequent animal activity. Management noted that this was the first recorded instance of a buck being found on the airfield.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with a buck crossing the runway during the landing roll.
- The collapse of the right landing gear and the subsequent excursion were triggered by the impact and subsequent heavy braking.
- The presence of wild animals on the active runway acted as a contributing factor to the event.