What happened
On 11 October 2023, a Piper PA-25-260 with registration ZS-JTW was conducting a training flight at Kroonstad Airfield in the Free State province. The flight, part of a simulated crop-spraying exercise under Part 141 regulations, was being observed by a flight instructor on the ground.
After taking off from Runway 07, the aircraft climbed to 300 feet and performed a low-level spray run at 6 feet above ground level over Runway 12. Following this maneuver, the pilot climbed back to 300 feet and initiated a left turn to position for a second run on Runway 30. During this turn, the aircraft disappeared from the instructor's view. Shortly after, a loud noise and black smoke were observed. The instructor reached the site to find the aircraft had crashed and was engulfed in flames. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the flight sequence. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's engine was producing power at the time of impact, as evidenced by the condition of the propeller blades. No mechanical defects were found in the engine that would have compromised performance. The investigation also noted that the pilot was in the process of completing the flight hours required for an agricultural rating. Meteorological conditions were clear with visual flight rules in effect, and weather was not a factor in the accident.
Findings
The aircraft entered a stall while the pilot was attempting to recover from an uncoordinated left turn. It is believed that the pilot failed to use coordinated controls during the turn, likely resulting in a skid. In such a maneuver, attempting to use aileron input to correct the wing position can increase the angle of attack on the inner wing, leading to a stall. Due to the low altitude of the maneuver, there was insufficient height for the pilot to execute a recovery before impacting the ground.