What happened
On 31 March 2001, an AEROMOT AMT-200S motorized glider, registration ZS-GUP, was performing a landing at LadyBrand Aerodrome following a private flight. During the final approach, the pilot observed a pedestrian near the runway; however, the individual appeared to be moving away from the active surface. Believing the person was a safe distance from the aircraft's path, the pilot proceeded with the landing.
Upon touchdown, the pilot's son noticed a piece of Perspex fragmenting from the aircraft. After the aircraft was taxied to the hangar, the son used a vehicle to locate the pedestrian. He subsequently notified the pilot via mobile phone that the individual had been struck and injured. Emergency services arrived at the scene approximately fifteen minutes later. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The investigation
Investigators examined the scene and the circumstances surrounding the presence of the pedestrian on the airfield. At the site of the incident, authorities discovered marijuana and an open bottle of beer near the injured person, and additional marijuana was found in the individual's pocket. The investigation also noted that the presence of unauthorized persons and animals on the LadyBrand runway had been a persistent, long-term issue at the aerodrome.
Findings
- The direct cause of the fatality was the impact of the aircraft's right-hand wingtip against the pedestrian's head.
- The intoxicated state of the pedestrian served as a contributing factor to the accident.
- Inadequate security measures at the aerodrome allowed unauthorized access to the runway area.