Incident Details
On Wednesday, 8 November 2023, at 1037Z, a serious incident occurred at Wonderboom Airport (FAWB), Gauteng province, involving two Cessna 172M aircraft. The aircraft, registered ZS-SPO and ZS-SLY, were operating under Part 141 (training) and Part 91 (private) of the Civil Aviation Regulations, respectively. The weather was visual meteorological conditions with surface wind 270°/03 kts, temperature 19°C, dew point 0°C, visibility CAVOK, and QNH 1021 hPa.
Aircraft and Personnel
The pilot of ZS-SPO was a student pilot (SPL), aged 31, with 40 total flying hours, including 22.9 hours on the Cessna 172M. The aircraft was configured for one person on board (plus zero). The pilot of ZS-SLY held a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), aged 23, with 123 total flying hours, including 112.6 hours on type. ZS-SLY carried two persons on board. Both aircraft were Cessna 172M models and sustained minor damage to their wings.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot of ZS-SPO intended to conduct circuit-and-landing exercises at FAWB, departing from the general flying area. The pilots of ZS-SLY intended a private flight from FAWB to Vereeniging Airport (FAVV). The student pilot was granted permission to taxi on Taxiway Foxtrot (F), cross Runway 06, and proceed via Taxiway Golf (G) to Taxiway Delta (D) towards the Runway 11 holding point. Upon reaching Taxiway D, adjacent to the Runway 11 holding point, the student pilot observed ZS-SLY conducting power checks while stationary. Uncertain of the duration of the checks, the student pilot decided to manoeuvre around the stationary aircraft. During this manoeuvre, the left wing of ZS-SPO impacted the right wing of ZS-SLY.