What happened
On 24 September 2025, a flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a training flight from Silver Creek Airfield in the North West Province toward Bapsfontein Aerodrome in Gauteng. While flying over the Magaliesberg mountain range, the instructor noticed the Magni Gyro M16, registration ZU-C_ZI, was struggling to maintain a climb. After attempting to engage the turbo with no improvement in performance, the instructor suspected an engine failure and decided to execute a forced landing on the mountain terrain.
The aircraft came to rest on its left side approximately 2.3 nautical miles southeast of Silver Creek Gorge Airfield. The impact caused substantial damage to the rotor blades and the undercarriage, though both occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined engine monitoring data from the aircraft's Turbo Control Unit (TCU) and FLYDAT systems. Contrary to the pilot's initial impression of engine failure, the digital records confirmed the engine was operating normally, with no abnormal drops in RPM, throttle position, or airbox pressure from takeoff until the landing.
Flight tracking data from the X Country application revealed that the aircraft was flying at an altitude between 100 and 200 feet above ground level. The data also showed the aircraft was losing airspeed and flying below the manufacturer's recommended best rate of climb speed of 55 kts. The investigation also confirmed the aircraft was within its maximum takeoff weight of 500 kg, weighing in at 498 kg at departure.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying at a low altitude through mountainous terrain, which is prone to unpredictable airflow.
- The flight was likely impacted by downdrafts or turbulent airflow caused by the local topography.
- The aircraft was flying at a speed lower than the recommended best rate of climb.
- All maintenance records and pilot licenses were found to be up to date and valid.