What happened
On the night of 4 July 2023, a pilot was operating an Arace Sirin (registration ZT-XRX) for the purpose of inspecting railway lines near Panbult, Mpumalanga. The mission was being conducted under beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) regulations. After an initial climb to 200 metres above ground level, the flight proceeded for approximately one hour.
During the return leg of the mission, the aircraft encountered a wind gust. In response to the weather change, the pilot attempted to land the drone in an open field roughly 350 metres from the original launch site. However, as the landing mode was initiated, the UAS lost signal with the remote pilot station. The pilot subsequently located the aircraft at its last recorded coordinates, where it had crashed and suffered substantial damage. There were no injuries to people on the ground and no property was damaged.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Remote Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate. The aircraft's technical records showed that the ZT-XRX had undergone a maintenance inspection approximately 27 hours prior to the accident and was otherwise properly maintained and certificated. The operator also held a valid operating certificate.
Findings
- The pilot was properly licensed and medically fit for the operation.
- Weather conditions at the time of the flight were generally fine, with light winds and clear skies.
- The aircraft's technical documentation indicated it was maintained in accordance with regulations.
- The cause of the signal disconnection between the aircraft and the remote pilot station could not be determined.