What happened
On the morning of 9 January 2026, an Ayres S2R-T34 Turbo Thrush, registered ZS-KWA, was engaged in agricultural spraying operations at Groot Geluk Farm Airstrip in the Free State. The flight was being conducted under visual meteorological conditions as part of a Part 1/37 operation. After completing an initial spray run with a full load of Urea fertiliser, the pilot returned to the airstrip to reload the 510 US Gallon hopper for a second pass.
During the second application, the aircraft was observed flying at a low altitude over the maize fields. While executing a left turn, the aircraft's left wing struck the ground, causing the plane to cartwheel across the terrain. The impact forces were severe enough to separate the left wing from the fuselage and destroy the aircraft. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was rendered unconscious by the crash. Emergency services and the South African Police Services responded to the scene, and the pilot was airlifted to a private hospital.
The investigation
Investigators from the SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and the site topography. Analysis of the ground marks indicated that the aircraft's path involved an upward slope. Examination of the propeller blades revealed that the engine was producing a substantial amount of power at the moment of impact. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent periodic inspection completed in December 2025. Meteorological data showed clear weather and good visibility, indicating that weather conditions did not contribute to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the misjudgment of height while performing a low-level left turn toward rising, steep terrain.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's loss of situational awareness during the maneuver.
- The impact with the upward slope caused the left wing tip to strike the ground, leading to a loss of control and the subsequent destruction of the aircraft.