What happened
On November 19, 2000, a formation of five microlight aircraft departed from Oudtshoorn Aerodrome for a recreational flight. During the takeoff sequence, the aircraft registered ZU-CGP, carrying a pilot and a passenger, departed in third position. Shortly after, the Windlass Aquilla registered ZU-AOO, operated by a student pilot, departed in fourth position.
Following takeoff, the student pilot of ZU-AOO executed a left-hand turn. The pilot of ZU-CGP followed this maneuver, turning to the right at an altitude of approximately 800 feet. During this period, the passenger in ZU-CGP alerted the pilot to a mid-air collision. The pilot observed one aircraft tumbling toward the earth, followed closely by the second aircraft. Ground witnesses corroborated the event, noting that the two aircraft were flying in close proximity before the right-hand aircraft struck the left-hand aircraft from behind during a steep turn, causing both to crash near the outskirts of Oudtshoorn.
The investigation
The investigation into the collision focused on the flight maneuvers and the regulatory status of the aircraft involved. Investigators established that both ZU-CGP and ZU-AOO were operating without valid Authority to Fly documents at the time of the accident. Furthermore, the inquiry examined the operational environment of the flight school involved in the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was that the pilot of ZU-CGP misjudged the turn rate required to follow the student pilot's evasive maneuver.
- A significant contributing factor was the inadequate safety culture maintained by the flight school's Chief Instructor, which failed to support a safe flying environment.