What happened
On 25 September 2025, a commercial flight operated by KEM981 was preparing for departure from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (FAHS) to O.R. Tambo International Airport. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-700 with registration ZS-CMX, was carrying 45 passengers and four crew members.
While taxiing on taxiway Alpha, the flight crew missed the required turn at the Delta intersection. As the aircraft continued toward the Charlie intersection, it entered a non-movement area where the taxiway narrows. In an attempt to maneuver the aircraft, the left wing-tip struck several trees, causing minor damage to the navigation light and strobe light. The pilot brought the aircraft to a halt near some bunkers, and the departure clearance was subsequently cancelled. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the taxiway conditions and cockpit communications. The investigation found that the crew was utilizing iPads as electronic flight bags to reference airport layouts. However, the physical layout of the airport presented challenges, as certain intersections were not clearly marked with guidance boards.
Investigators noted that the area beyond the five yellow lines on the taxiway is an uncontrolled, non-movement zone. While the crew attempted to execute a 180-degree turn to correct their course, the aircraft had already encroached upon the tree-lined section of the taxiway. The investigation also noted that the cockpit voice recorder data was unavailable as it had been overwritten, necessitating a reliance on air traffic control recordings and crew statements.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the flight crew's loss of situational awareness due to cockpit distraction while taxiing.
- The crew failed to identify and utilize the Delta intersection, proceeding past it toward the Charlie intersection.
- A lack of physical guidance boards or signage at the Delta and Charlie intersections contributed to the navigational error.
- The aircraft entered a restricted, non-movement area where the taxiway width is significantly reduced by surrounding vegetation.