Factual Information
History of Flight
On 8 March 2014 at 10:59 UTC, an Aircam 1999 aircraft, registration V5-PVS, departed Eros Airport (FYWE) on runway 01 for a low-level flight to Ongava Lodge. The pilot was the sole occupant. The aircraft had a fuel endurance of 4 hours 30 minutes and a flight time of 3 hours 30 minutes to Ongava. The last communication from the pilot was a short text message sent to his son at 14:13 UTC indicating the aircraft was in Outjo. The expected arrival time at Ongava was 14:30 UTC, but the aircraft did not arrive. On 9 March 2014 at 20:20 UTC, 20 hours after departure, the family notified the Air Traffic Service Unit at Eros Airport. Search and rescue was activated. On 10 March 2014, the aircraft was found crashed along the Ekuma River at coordinates E 016° 00' 23", S 18° 34' 42", 83 km north of Ongava Lodge and 75 km south of Ondangwe.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot sustained fatal injuries. No other persons were on board.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was substantially damaged in the crash.
Personnel Information
The pilot was 59 years old and held a valid Private Pilot License and a valid medical certificate with a restriction to wear corrective lenses. The investigation revealed that the pilot did not hold a Micro light Pilot License as required by Nam-Cars part 103.01.02.
Meteorological Information
Weather in the Etosha area was fine, but isolated thunderstorms with showers were in the vicinity. Southerly wind prevailed at the time of the accident.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The probable cause of the accident was loss of control. Contributing factors included a steep turn at low altitude with insufficient airspeed, cross control stall, loss of situational awareness, and performance of primary task flying the aircraft being relegated to a secondary task due to free hand photography while in control of the aircraft.