Piper PA-28RT-201 ZS-MEA Wildlife Strike at Zebula Lodge Aerodrome

Flight History and Accident Sequence On 30 December 2013, a Piper PA-28RT-201, registration ZS-MEA, departed Zebula Lodge Aerodrome in Limpopo, South Africa, for a local sightseeing flight. The aircraft was operated by a private pilot and carried one passenger. After approximately 40 minutes, the aircraft returned to the aerodrome. The pilot conducted two overflights to inspect the runway for wildlife, as the aerodrome is unfenced and has substantial wildlife on the property. With the wind from the west, the pilot landed on runway 26. During the landing roll, a kudu attempted to cross the runway and was struck by the right wing. The animal was killed on impact, and the wing sustained structural damage. No injuries were reported to the occupants. ## Aircraft and Personnel Information The aircraft was a Piper PA-28RT-201, serial number 28R-7703234, manufactured in 1977, with 3,753.4 airframe hours at the time of the accident. The engine was a Continental TSIO-360-F, and the propeller was a Hartzell BHC-C2YF-1BF. The pilot held a valid private pilot's licence with a type endorsement and had 104.6 total flying hours, including 56.6 hours on type. The last mandatory periodic inspection was certified on 1 August 2013. ## Aerodrome and Environmental Factors Zebula Lodge Aerodrome is an unlicensed aerodrome located at 24°45’24.69” South, 027°58’06.05” East, with an elevation of 4,220 feet above mean sea level. The runway used was 26, with dimensions of 13m x 1,300m and an asphalt surface. The weather at the time included a surface wind of 270°/5kt, a temperature of 20°C, and visibility greater than 10km. The aerodrome is unfenced, and wild animals can cross the runway at any time. ## Probable Cause and Safety Recommendations The probable cause of the accident was the collision with a kudu that attempted to cross the runway during the landing roll. A contributory factor was the unfenced aerodrome with substantial wildlife roaming the property. The investigation recommended that the Air Safety Infrastructure Division draft an official letter to the land owner requesting that fencing off the aerodrome area be considered in the interest of aviation safety.