Simulated Engine Failure Leads to Stall and Crash at Tedderfield Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Tedderfield Aerodrome (FATA) near a hangar, ZA

A flight instructor lost control of a Vans RV4 during a low-altitude engine failure simulation, resulting in a ground impact and serious injuries.

What happened

On 12 April 2024, a flight instructor and a passenger were conducting a private flight from Tedderfield Aerodrome (FATA) to Brakpan Airfield (FABB) in Gauteng. The flight followed a morning briefing where the group had discussed various flight maneuvers, including stall and spin recovery.

Shortly after departing from Runway 29, the pilot initiated a simulated engine failure at approximately 400 feet above ground level. To demonstrate an air turnback maneuver, the pilot reduced the throttle to idle and executed a steep left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft's airspeed decreased and the passenger reported feeling the wing shudder and experiencing spatial disorientation. The aircraft subsequently entered a left-wing low attitude and impacted the ground near the aerodrome hangars. The impact caused substantial damage to the Vans RV4, registration ZU-AVM. The flight instructor sustained serious leg injuries, while the passenger escaped without injury.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances of the flight and reviewed available CCTV footage from the aerodrome. The footage captured the aircraft's climb and its subsequent disappearance behind hangars, as well as its reappearance in a steep, low-altitude left turn just before the crash. The investigation also included a review of the aircraft's maintenance history and the pilot's credentials. Technical inspections of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical defects or pre-existing technical issues that contributed to the accident.

Findings

  • The pilot deviated from the originally briefed flight plan by attempting a high-risk maneuver immediately after takeoff.
  • The air turnback maneuver was attempted at an altitude of only 400 feet AGL, which provided insufficient margin for recovery.
  • The aircraft entered an accelerated stall due to the combination of a steep bank angle and low airspeed during the engine power reduction.
  • The pilot's decision-making was characterized by an inadequate risk assessment regarding the altitude of the maneuver.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the initiation of an air turnback maneuver at a dangerously low altitude during an engine failure simulation, which led to an accelerated stall and loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-04-12 Vans RV4 accident near Tedderfield Aerodrome (FATA) near a hangar, ZA?

A flight instructor lost control of a Vans RV4 during a low-altitude engine failure simulation, resulting in a ground impact and serious injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-04-12 involved a Vans RV4, registration ZU-AVM, at Tedderfield Aerodrome (FATA) near a hangar, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the initiation of an air turnback maneuver at a dangerously low altitude during an engine failure simulation, which led to an accelerated stall and loss of control.

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