History of Flight
On Friday morning, 12 December 2025, a pilot departed Kroonstad Airfield (FAKS) in a Piper PA-36-285 Pawnee Brave, registration ZS-LUG, for a crop-spraying demonstration flight. The aircraft carried 42 US gallons of Jet A1 fuel and 70 litres of water in the hopper. After takeoff, the pilot routed to Eden Farm, approximately 5.11 nautical miles north-east of FAKS, where the spray demonstration was to be performed.
At the farm, the pilot conducted a 40-litre per hectare crop-spraying demonstration. Afterwards, he climbed to approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL). While stable at that altitude, he diverted his attention to adjusting the spray boom controls for a 50-litre per hectare setting. During this adjustment, he felt his weight pressing against the seat harness straps. When he looked up, the aircraft was nose-down and close to the ground. He pulled back on the control column to raise the nose, but the aircraft did not recover.
The left wing struck the ground first, causing the wing to break. The aircraft then skidded across the field for approximately 102 metres before coming to rest. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot sustained serious injuries. Post-accident examination revealed propeller blade signatures consistent with the engine delivering power at the time of impact.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 29, held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and had a total of 1008.4 flying hours, with 398 hours on type. The pilot reported a pre-flight inspection with no anomalies.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-36-285 Pawnee Brave, registration ZS-LUG, operated by Western Line Layers under Part 137 (aerial works).
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, the wind was from 110° at 16 knots, temperature 21°C, visibility 5 kilometres. Time of accident was 0500Z.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was at Eden Farm, approximately 5.11 nautical miles north-east of FAKS, at GPS coordinates S27°38'30" E27°24'23". The left wing separated on impact, and the aircraft skidded 102 metres across the field. The aircraft was destroyed.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot sustained serious injuries. No other persons were on board or on the ground injured.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was due to loss of situational awareness which resulted in loss of control of the aircraft while operated at low level. The probable cause was fixation on the spray boom controls whilst operating at low level, leading to loss of situational awareness and an uncontrolled descent, making ground impact inevitable.