What happened
On 15 February 2023, a surveillance mission was being conducted at Chilwavhusika Mine in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng. The operation utilized a Matrice 300 UAS, registered as ZT-XCI, flying under beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) regulations.
While the flight began normally, approximately 10 minutes into the mission, the pilot received a sensor system error notification on the remote station, accompanied by a command to either land or return to home. The pilot initiated the return-to-home procedure; however, as the aircraft approached the home point, it unexpectedly altered its course and began flying in the opposite direction. Although the pilot managed to maintain altitude control, the aircraft became unresponsive to directional commands. The flight ended when the UAS crashed, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. There were no injuries reported on the ground.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the operational and regulatory status of the flight. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Remote Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft had undergone a certified inspection in December 2022.
However, the investigation identified that the operator's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operating Certificate (ROC) had expired at the time of the accident. Additionally, the investigation noted that the accident was reported 104 days after the occurrence.