What happened
On 27 May 2008, a Cessna A150L, registration ZS-IIK, was involved in a ground collision at Cape Town International Aerodrome. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, was conducting a private pleasure flight intended for the Somerset West area. After initially taxiing through a motorized security gate at taxiway Hotel, the pilot established contact with Ground Control to request takeoff instructions.
Because this was the pilot's first departure from the aerodrome, a misunderstanding occurred regarding radio communications. Following a failure to respond to specific instructions, Ground Control directed the pilot to return to the General Aviation Area and to familiarize himself with local radio procedures. In an attempt to comply with the instruction to return, the pilot performed a 180-degree turn. During this maneuver, the pilot attempted to taxi back through the security gate while it was in the process of closing. The aircraft's wingtips struck the gate structure, causing substantial structural damage to both wings. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the sequence of events and the physical environment at the time of the accident. Investigators noted that the weather was clear with good visibility, and the sun was positioned behind the aircraft, which should have aided visibility. The investigation also reviewed the operation of the motorized gate, which consists of multiple moving sections.
It was established that the security guard on duty had closed the gate after the aircraft's initial passage and was unaware that the pilot had turned the aircraft around to head back toward the gate. The investigation also looked into the pilot's adherence to aerodrome procedures and the lack of safety sensors on the gate structure.