History of Flight
On the afternoon of 7 December 2021, a pilot flying an Evektor SportStar light aircraft, registered ZU-EIJ, departed from Springs Aerodrome (FASI) in Gauteng province on a private flight. The intention was to fly over Bronkhorstspruit Dam and then return to FASI. Another aircraft, ZU-AZY, with a pilot and a passenger, accompanied the flight. Both flights were conducted under Part 94 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.
Eyewitnesses near the dam observed the aircraft flying from north to south over the water. A bluish object detached from the fuselage while the aircraft was over the dam. The aircraft then began spinning while descending before hitting terrain in an open field south of the dam.
Injuries
The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was killed.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed. The outer section of the left wing, which had failed, was found approximately 100 metres from the main wreckage, closer to the water line.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a National Pilot Licence and had a total flying experience of 333.8 hours, with 48.1 hours on the Evektor SportStar type. The pilot was 49 years old.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was an Evektor Aerotechnik A.S. SportStar, registration ZU-EIJ. It was a non-type certificated aircraft operated under Part 94.
Meteorological Information
Strong winds were encountered while flying over the Bronkhorstspruit Dam. The flight took place in extremely turbulent conditions, which were associated with the outflow of a nearby thunderstorm cell.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The main wreckage came to rest in an open field on the southern side of the dam. The separated outer left wing section was located about 100 metres from the main wreckage, closer to the dam's water line.
Probable Cause
The pilot lost control of the aircraft following the structural failure of the outer left-wing main spar, located 125 centimetres from the wing tip. The failure was associated with an exceedingly high wing load while flying in turbulent conditions, caused by the outflow of a nearby thunderstorm cell.
Contributory Factors
Both pilots continued the flight in extremely turbulent conditions, despite having the option to change destination or return to the departure aerodrome. They were aware of thunderstorm activity over Gauteng province at the time.
Other Details
Following the accident, the pilot of ZU-AZY diverted to Kitty Hawk Aerodrome (FAKT) and landed safely.