What happened
On the morning of 16 October 2025, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight at Lydenburg Aerodrome in Mpumalanga. The flight, part of a series of circuits for flight consolidation, was being performed under visual meteorological conditions. While on the final approach for the sixth circuit on Runway 04, the engine lost power.
Unable to reach the runway threshold, which was approximately 150 metres ahead, the pilot performed a forced landing on a field extending from the runway centerline. During the landing roll, the aircraft's nose gear struck an anthill, causing substantial damage to the forward structure of the Micro Aviation SA Bat Hawk, registration ZU-FXH. The student pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and its engine following the incident. The Camit engine was subjected to a detailed inspection and a ground run. The investigation found that the engine could be rotated freely by hand, the fuel filter was clean, and the carburetor bowl contained fuel. During the ground run, the engine operated normally, with all six cylinders showing proper differential pressures. No mechanical abnormalities or failures were identified during this evaluation.
Records indicated that the aircraft had completed its annual inspection in November 2024 and was within its valid authority-to-fly period. The student pilot held a valid medical certificate and a student pilot licence, with the flight being part of an authorized training program.