What happened
On 24 November 2025, a Cessna 208B Caravan, registered ZS-KMH, was preparing for a non-scheduled commercial flight from Arathusa Safari Lodge Aerodrome (FAAR) in Mpumalanga to O.R. Tambo International Airport. The aircraft was carrying two pilots and four passengers. Prior to the departure, another Cessable 208B Caravan, registered ZS-KMJ, was parked on the apron at a 45-degree angle relative to the runway centerline.
As the crew of ZS-KMH began their takeoff roll, the pilot-in-command was focused on reviewing the Before Take-off Checklist. During this process, the crew felt a physical jar, similar to rolling over an obstacle. While the crew initially found no issues with the tires, the pilot of the parked ZS-KMJ notified the departing crew via radio that their wing had been struck. The crew of ZS-KMH subsequently returned to the aerodrome to assess the damage. While ZS-KMH sustained only minor scratches, the ZS-KMJ suffered substantial damage to its upper wing surface.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft, the aerodrome layout, and the crew's actions. The investigation confirmed that the pilot-in-command of ZS-KMH did not maintain a visual lookout outside the cockpit during the critical takeoff phase because she was reading the checklist. Additionally, the investigation noted that the parked ZS-KMJ was positioned in a way that encroached upon the runway area. The investigation also identified that the apron area at FAAR is part of the runway surface and noted a drainage ditch adjacent to the runway edge that could pose operational risks.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was that the crew of ZS-kmH began their takeoff roll without ensuring sufficient wing-tip clearance from the parked ZS-KMJ.
- The pilot-in-command of ZS-KMH failed to maintain a constant external lookout while reading the checklist.
- The parked ZS-KMJ was positioned at a 45-degree angle to the runway, which reduced available clearance.
- The crew of ZS-KMH did not perform a risk assessment regarding the proximity of the parked aircraft or attempt to taxi past it before starting the roll.
- The operator's manual lacked specific instructions for aircraft parking when multiple aircraft are operating from the same aerodrome.
- The crew of ZS-KMH appeared to lack sufficient familiarity with the aircraft's full wingspan dimensions.
Safety action
Following the incident, several recommendations were made to the operator and aerodrome owner:
- The operator should ensure that if multiple aircraft are present at FAAR, they are parked to maintain ample wing clearance.
- Departing aircraft should taxi past any parked aircraft to avoid the apron area before commencing takeoff.
- The aerodrome owner should consider moving the Runway 16 threshold to start past the apron area to mitigate safety risks.
- The drainage ditch near the runway edge should be leveled to prevent potential hazards to aircraft operations.