What happened
On 27 January 2026, a training flight involving a chief flight instructor and a student pilot was conducting circuit training at Potchefstroom Aerodrome. After completing an initial landing on Runway 21, the crew decided to take off again from Runway 03 due to light winds and a lack of traffic.
During the departure from Runway 03, the crew observed a vehicle towing a Nimbus 4D glider, registration ZS-GFP, toward the runway threshold. While the glider pilot had broadcast an intention to enter the runway, the crew of the Jabiru J430, registration ZU-FNS, was unable to establish two-way radio communication with the glider or the tow vehicle.
As the Jabiru J430 approached for a landing on the opposite runway, the glider remained stationary at the threshold of Runway 03. Despite repeated attempts by the ZU-FNS crew to warn the ground traffic, the glider pilot did not vacate the area. This forced the flight instructor to initiate a go-around to avoid a collision. The instructor later learned that the glider pilot had no intention of moving the aircraft until the tow vehicle arrived, which was expected much later.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the radio communications, the movement of the ground vehicle, and the regulatory requirements for uncontrolled aerodromes. The investigation confirmed that both the ZU-FNS and ZS-GFP were airworthy and that the pilots held valid licenses. The investigation also reviewed the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) for Potchefstroom Aerodrome and the standard operating procedures for glider operations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incursion was the glider pilot entering and remaining on the active runway without confirming clearance through effective radio communication.
- The glider pilot failed to maintain a continuous listening watch on the designated frequency, leaving the ZU-FNS crew's warnings unanswered.
- The glider pilot positioned the aircraft at the runway threshold long before the tow vehicle was ready for launch, unnecessarily occupying the runway.
- The glider pilot demonstrated poor judgment by refusing to vacate the runway when prompted by a third-party instructor on the ground.
- The local AIP for Potchefstroom Aerodrome lacked specific information regarding glider operations, which contributed to the lack of coordination.
Safety action
- It is recommended that the Director of Civil Aviation update the AIP for Potchefstroom Aerodrome to include specific information regarding glider operations.
- A recommendation was made to review the validation process for foreign pilot licenses to ensure adequate communication and airmanship standards are met in South African airspace.