What happened
On 9 December 2023, a private flight departed from Yorkville Airstrip in the Kamberg region of KwaZulu-Natal. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, was operating a Savannah S, registration ZU-IVW, with the intention of landing at a farm near Ladys．smith. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) in accordance with Part 94 regulations.
As the aircraft progressed toward the Ntabamhlophe area, the crew encountered deteriorating weather characterized by mist and low cloud cover. Because the pilot did not hold an instrument rating, he attempted to maneuver the aircraft away from the Ntabamhlophe Mountain Range. However, the weather conditions worsened rapidly, and the aircraft became enveloped in mist.
During this period of low visibility, the pilot experienced spatial disorientation. Having not activated his navigation equipment prior to departure due to his familiarity with the local area, he only checked the device after becoming lost. The device revealed that the aircraft had drifted 180 degrees off course and was positioned within a valley. In an attempt to execute a right-hand turn to return to his original track, the pilot inadvertently flew the aircraft into the side of a mountain. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization, while the passenger suffered minor injuries.
The investigation
The SACAA AIID investigation examined the flight's circumstances, the pilot's credentials, and the aircraft's airworthiness. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid National Pilot Licence and a Class 4 medical certificate. The Savannah S was found to be airworthy, with a valid Authority to Fly and a recent Certificate of Release to Service. No mechanical defects were reported prior to the accident.
Findings
- The pilot was not instrument rated, which led to the flight entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
- The pilot failed to utilize his navigation device for route plotting prior to departure because of his familiarity with the area.
- The pilot lost his intended track due to the onset of poor weather.
- The pilot flew into rising terrain while attempting to maneuver out of low visibility.
- The investigation noted a lack of formal flight planning and a failure to obtain updated weather reports for the en route and destination locations.