What happened
On the afternoon of 17 November 2024, a Thatcher CX4 with registration ZU-ITS departed from New Tempe Aerodrome in the Free State for a private flight to Adamsfontein Farm in the Northern Cape. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions.
Upon approaching the private airstrip, the pilot opted to land on Runway 10 to avoid significant sun glare associated with the alternative runway. While the pilot noted a group of sheep positioned approximately 50 meters left of the runway threshold, no animals were initially seen obstructing the flight path. During the landing roll, before the tailwheel made contact with the ground, three sheep unexpectedly ran across the runway from left to right. The aircraft struck the animals, resulting in three fatal injuries to the sheep and minor damage to the aircraft's wooden propeller. The pilot escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the runway incursions and the pilot's arrival procedures. The investigation confirmed that the Thatcher CX4 was airworthy and had undergone a recent 100-hour inspection. The pilot held a valid National Pilot Licence and medical certificate.
Investigators established that the sheep were partially obscured by tall grass near the runway threshold, making them difficult to detect during the initial approach. The investigation also looked into communication protocols between visiting pilots and the farm owner regarding arrival times.