What happened
On 29 August 2006, a Cessna 182T, registration ZS-AJF, was involved in a runway excursion at a private aerodrome located on Wilgerivier farm, situated between Vaalwater and Thabazimbi. The aircraft was performing a private flight, departing from the farm aerodrome with an intended destination of Pietersburg Aerodrome.
During the takeoff sequence, the pilot backtracked along runway 16. While attempting to turn the aircraft into position for takeoff, the pilot applied full power before the aircraft was properly aligned with the runway centerline. This maneuver resulted in an excessively wide turn. Approximately 10 meters from the turning point, the left main wheel struck a small mound, roughly 15cm in height, located on the runway verge. This impact caused the aircraft to swerve toward the left. Despite the pilot's attempts to use right rudder to regain directional control, the aircraft moved off the runway.
There were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the four people on board.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the site and determined that the pilot had initiated the line-up turn approximately 200 to 300 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained damage to its propeller and undercarriage as a result of the impact with the mound and the subsequent excursion.
Records indicated that the pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot License and a medical certificate that was current at the time of the event. The aircraft's maintenance status was also reviewed; the Certificate of Airworthiness was valid, and the most recent Mandatory Periodic Inspection had been completed 18.7 hours prior to the accident. Furthermore, all applicable Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins were found to be in compliance.