What happened
On 3 July 2019, a private pilot prepared a Cessna 210T, registration ZS-MGB, for a flight from Pongola Aerodrome (FAPL) to Rand Aerodrome (FAGM). After moving the aircraft from its hangar and completing initial pre-flight inspections, the pilot taxied to the edge of the paved taxiway to perform necessary engine run-up checks.
During these checks, a security guard approached the aircraft from the right side. Upon noticing the pilot was seated on the left side of the cockpit, the guard attempted to walk around the front of the aircraft to reach the pilot. In the process, the guard inadvertently walked into the spinning propeller. The impact caused fatal injuries, and the guard passed away before emergency medical services could reach the scene. The aircraft itself was not damaged during the incident.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter and the operational environment at Pongla Aerodrome. Investigators found that the security guard was attempting to approach the aircraft to collect landing fees, a task assigned to the security staff by the local municipality.
The inquiry also scrutinized the aerodrome's compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations. It was established that the security guard had not received adequate safety training regarding aircraft hazards or the necessity of yielding to moving aircraft. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the security guard was not wearing a high-visibility reflective jacket, which is required for personnel operating on the airside.
Findings
- The security guard was struck by the spinning propeller while attempting to move around the front of the aircraft to collect landing fees.
- The security guard lacked sufficient training regarding aerodrome safety and hazards.
- The aerodrome operator had failed to rectify several previously identified safety and infrastructure findings issued by the Regulator.
- There was a lack of clear signage or ground markings to prohibit pedestrians from entering restricted aircraft movement areas.
- The aerodrome's Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) did not provide instructions to pilots regarding the specific procedures for landing fee collection.
Safety action
Following the investigation, several safety recommendations were proposed, including:
- The appointment of a dedicated safety officer by the aerodrome operator to provide essential safety briefings and training to all personnel.
- Updating the aerodrome's AIP to clearly outline landing fee payment procedures.
- Implementing clear ground markings and signage to restrict pedestrian access to aircraft movement areas.
- Revising the fee collection process so that pilots pay at security offices rather than having personnel approach active aircraft.