Cessna 402B Accident at Ulusaba, South Africa (ZS-MDI)

Overview and Flight Details On 28 September 2002, a Cessna 402B registered ZS-MDI was involved in an accident at Ulusaba (Leopard Hills) in South Africa. The aircraft was operating a commercial positioning flight from Lanseria Airport to Ulusaba to collect passengers. The pilot-in-command was the sole person on board and held a commercial license. At the time of the accident, the pilot had 4,850 total flying hours, with approximately 3,500 hours on type. ## Accident Sequence The aircraft landed on Runway 19 at Ulusaba. Approximately 300 meters after touchdown, several warthogs ran onto the runway from the left in front of the aircraft. The pilot applied power in an attempt to take evasive action. The aircraft veered to the left and collided with a drainage ditch, resulting in the failure of the nose gear assembly and the propellers impacting the ground. The aircraft came to rest on the left-hand side of the runway, approximately 300 meters from the point where it departed the runway, facing towards the runway. ## Damage and Injuries The pilot was not injured in the accident. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. ## Meteorological Conditions The weather at the time was fine, with a wind from 010° at 10 knots and a temperature of +25°C.