Occurrence
On 7 June 2023, at approximately 0530Z, a Cessna Aircraft Company T210M (serial number 210-62409), registration ZS-MVI, departed Welkom Airport (FAWM) on a private flight under Part 91 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations. The flight, operated by a commercial pilot with a passenger on board, was conducted in visual meteorological conditions during daytime. After an uneventful flight, the aircraft arrived at Bethulie Airstrip in the Free State province. The pilot completed an unmanned joining procedure, entered a left downwind at 1000 feet above ground level, and flew over the airstrip twice to check for hazards, wild animals, and livestock. The pilot then approached Runway 33 and touched down safely. During the ground roll, approximately 400 meters from the threshold, the aircraft impacted a gate that crossed the runway. The pilot brought the aircraft to a stop, switched off the master switch, and disembarked with the passenger. The pilot stated he only realized the gate was closed during the ground roll.
According to the pilot, the farmer had been informed of the arrival to open the gate, but forgot to do so. The gate, typically opened for arriving aircraft but left closed to contain cattle, was constructed of barbed wire and supporting poles. The spinning propeller became entangled with the fence, causing damage to the propeller blades, both wings, and the empennage. The aircraft sustained minor damage, and the occupants were not injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Cessna T210M, had accumulated 5033.3 total airframe hours. Its last annual inspection was conducted on 16 April 2023 at 4099.0 hours, with a Certificate of Release to Service valid until 16 April 2024 or 4199.0 hours. The Certificate of Airworthiness was issued on 5 August 2018, expiring 31 August 2024. The Certificate of Registration was issued to the current owner on 3 October 2019.
The pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence initially issued on 29 July 2014, with a renewal on 12 December 2022 that expired on 31 May 2023. A new licence was issued on 16 June 2023, valid until 30 June 2024. He also held a Class 1 medical certificate issued on 28 July 2022, expiring 31 July 2023, with no limitations. The pilot had 1661 total flying hours, with 788 hours on type and 21.5 hours in the previous 30 days.
Findings
The investigation identified that the pilot had a valid licence and medical certificate at the time of the accident, though the licence was briefly expired between 31 May and 16 June 2023. The aircraft was properly maintained and certified. The pilot coordinated with the farmer to open the gate prior to landing, but the farmer forgot. The gate was left closed, leading to the collision.
Probable Cause
The aircraft impacted the gate (which ran across the runway) that was still closed on their arrival.