What happened
On 3 December 2024, an Embraer ERJ 190-100 LR, registration ZS-YZB, was performing a scheduled commercial flight from Cape Town International Airport to Hoedspruit Airforce Base (FAHS) in Limpopo. The flight, carrying 58 passengers and four crew members, was operating under instrument meteorological conditions.
During the approach to Runway 09, the flight crew attempted to visually inspect the runway themselves because the air traffic control tower's intended runway inspection vehicle was unable to communicate via radio due to a technical failure. While the crew did not observe any animals during their descent, the situation changed rapidly upon touchdown. At approximately 130 knots during the landing roll, the pilot spotted a herd of impalas crossing the runway. Although the pilot immediately disengaged the automatic brakes and applied maximum manual braking, the animals stopped abruptly in the aircraft's path. The right main landing gear struck five impalas, killing them instantly. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the lower cowling of the number one engine but remained operational.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the runway incursion and the effectiveness of wildlife mitigation at the aerodrome. The investigation confirmed that the flight crew and the aircraft were fully compliant with all licensing, maintenance, and operational requirements.
Investigators looked into the visibility challenges at the airfield, noting that the tower's view of Runway 09 is obstructed by buildings and dense vegetation. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the animals' natural camouflage and the uphill slope of the runway made them difficult to detect until they were already on the active surface. While the crew believed the inspection vehicle's radio was unserviceable, the investigation found that the vehicle crew had actually completed their inspection and remained at a standby position.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a wildlife incursion on the runway during the aircraft's landing roll.
- The unpredictable movement of the animals prevented the crew from successfully avoiding the collision.
- Environmental factors, including the limited visual range from the ATC tower and the natural camouflage of the animals, contributed to the failure to detect the hazard before touchdown.