What happened
On 26 June 2022, an Ekolot Topaz KR-030, registered ZU-EZK, departed Mokopane Aerodrome (FAQR) for a private scenic flight in the Limpopo Province. The flight, operated under visual flight rules, included a pilot and one passenger. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to approximately 500 feet, the pilot decided to return to the aerodrome because the passenger was feeling unwell.
During the maneuver to turn back toward the airfield, the passenger attempted to adjust the cabin air inlet. In doing so, the passenger accidentally closed the throttle lever. This sudden loss of engine power caused the aircraft's nose and left wing to drop. The pilot immediately applied full power and attempted to use right rudder and back-pressure on the control stick to stabilize the aircraft. However, the plane had already entered a spiral dive at an altitude too low for recovery. The aircraft struck power lines and impacted the ground on its right wing, eventually coming to rest on its belly. Both occupants sustained 2 injuries and were transported to a hospital.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the flight logs and the wreckage to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's Garmin GPS recorded a total flight duration of only six minutes. The investigation also verified the pilot's credentials, noting a valid National Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate. Regarding the aircraft's airworthiness, the Ekolot Topaz KR-030 was found to have a valid Authority to Fly and was within its mandatory periodic inspection interval.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the accidental closure of the throttle by the passenger.
- The sudden reduction in power induced a loss of control.
- The aircraft was at an insufficient altitude to recover from the resulting spiral dive.
- The aircraft struck power lines during the descent.