What happened
On 7 February 2024, a pilot prepared to depart from Buffeldoorn Farm in Klerksdorp, North West Province, for a flight to Tedderfield Airfield. The flight was being conducted under private operations (Part 94) in clear daylight conditions.
After performing a visual inspection of the runway, which appeared clear, the pilot began taxiing the Sling 4, registration ZU-ADS, along a grass-covered taxiway toward the runway. During this movement, a loud noise originated from the front of the aircraft. The pilot immediately shut down the engine and exited the cockpit to investigate. Upon inspection, the pilot discovered that a wire had become entangled around the propeller. The impact resulted in minor damage to the engine cowling and the propeller blade.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the incident and confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate. The aircraft, ZU-ADS, possessed a valid Authority to Fly and a current Certificate of Release to Service.
Investigators focused on the movement of the aircraft from the parking bay to the runway. While the pilot had inspected the runway itself, the investigation established that the hazard was located on the taxiway. The wire was positioned within the grass in such a way that it remained invisible to the pilot during the initial runway inspection.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a cable lying hidden in the grass that became entangled in the aircraft's propeller during taxi.
- A contributing factor was the failure to inspect the taxiway for hazards.
- The wire was not visible to the pilot during the preceding runway inspection due to its position in the grass.