What happened
On 16 December 2023, a near-collision involving three separate aircraft took place at Plettenberg Bay Airfield. The incident involved a Piper PA-28-161 (ZS-TDJ) operated by a student pilot, a Safari-LSA (ZU-IJR), and a Cessna (ZS-FFB).
The sequence began when the student pilot in ZS-TDJ announced an inbound flight for a touch-and-go landing. Simultaneously, the pilot of ZU-IJR was managing traffic from a Cessna Citation (T7-KFL) and a stationary ZS-FFB at the runway holding point. While the student pilot initially broadcasted intentions, there was a significant lapse in subsequent radio transmissions during the critical approach and final phases.
As the aircraft approached Runway 30, the pilot of ZU-IJR observed the ZS-TDJ following closely at a higher altitude. To avoid a collision, the ZU-IJR pilot elected to land on the grass area adjacent to the active runway. During this maneuver, the ZU-IJR aircraft flew at a low altitude directly over the stationary ZS-FFB waiting at the holding point.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the radio communications and flight maneuvers of all involved parties. The investigation established that while the student pilot held a high level of English language proficiency, they struggled with effective operational communication during the flight.
Investigators also reviewed the landing procedures at the unmanned aerodrome. It was noted that landing on the grass alongside the runway had become a normalized practice for local operators, despite the existence of a designated runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the near-collision was ineffective communication and the violation of standard operating procedures by both the ZS-TDJ and ZU-IJR pilots.
- The student pilot of ZS-TDJ failed to provide necessary radio updates during the short final and touch-and-go phases.
- The pilot of ZU-IJR violated regulations by flying at a low level over a stationary aircraft and performing a landing on an unapproved surface.
- The pilot of ZU-IJR likely used the grass landing as an intentional maneuver to avoid a mid-air collision with the following ZS-TDJ.
Safety action
- It is recommended that the Director of Civil Aviation perform an audit of the Approved Training Organisation to provide better guidance on both written and spoken language proficiency for pilots using English as a second language.