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

Ulusaba Runway 19 (GPS position: 24° 47’ 00 South 031° 21’ 00 East, elevation 1 420 feet), ZA

On September 28, 2002, a Cessna 402B (registration ZS-MDI) was involved in an aviation accident near Ulusaba Runway 19 (GPS position: 24° 47’ 00 South 031° 21’ 00 East, elevation 1 420 feet), ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In an attempt to avoid a collision with several warthogs that were crossing the runway in front of the aircraft shortly after touchdown, the pilot took evasive action by manoeuvring the aircraft to the left. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 402B (ZS-MDI) veered off Runway 19 at Ulusaba on 28 September 2002 while avoiding warthogs, striking a drainage ditch. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft was substantially damaged.

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.

Probable cause

In an attempt to avoid a collision with several warthogs that were crossing the runway in front of the aircraft shortly after touchdown, the pilot took evasive action by manoeuvring the aircraft to the left. He allowed it to veer off the runway and subsequently collided with a water drainage ditch.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Sept 2002 Cessna 402B accident near Ulusaba Runway 19 (GPS position: 24° 47’ 00 South 031° 21’ 00 East, elevation 1 420 feet), ZA?

A Cessna 402B (ZS-MDI) veered off Runway 19 at Ulusaba on 28 September 2002 while avoiding warthogs, striking a drainage ditch. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft was substantially damaged.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Sept 2002 Cessna 402B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Sept 2002 involved a Cessna 402B, registration ZS-MDI, at Ulusaba Runway 19 (GPS position: 24° 47’ 00 South 031° 21’ 00 East, elevation 1 420 feet), ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In an attempt to avoid a collision with several warthogs that were crossing the runway in front of the aircraft shortly after touchdown, the pilot took evasive action by manoeuvring the aircraft to the left. He allowed it to veer off the runway and subsequently collided with a water drainage ditch.

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