An example of an RV-10 turboprop light aircraft, similar to the one that landed at OR Tambo. Image: AOPA website
An incident involving a light aircraft landing at OR Tambo International Airport without a flight plan is being investigated.
Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) spokesperson Percy Morokane said they were aware of a video clip on social media showing the aircraft on a runway.
“As it is procedural, this incident was reported to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) soon after it happened, and is currently the subject of an ongoing investigation,” Morokane told Kempton Express.
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“We view this incident in a serious light and would like to assure the flying public of our commitment to their safety at all times.”
The video clip was posted by Dale de Klerk who, according to his Facebook profile, is the owner of Alpi Aviation South Africa.
According to him, an RV-10 light aircraft entered OR Tambo International Airport’s airspace on August 29 without having filed a flight plan, and proceeded to land without permission.
The plane can be seen landing in the distance, amid other planes scheduled for takeoff. Image: Facebook
De Klerk said the aircraft “proceeded to land on the taxiway adjacent to the runway closest to the terminal building while other aircraft were queuing to take off”.
“According to an ATC controller, the pilot of the RV-10 said he was dropping off a friend who needed to catch a connecting flight,” De Klerk posted.
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