What happened
On the morning of April 5, 1999, a Windlass Trike aircraft, registration ZS-WEG, was conducting a flight near Messina. The flight was operated by Soutpansberg Mikro Vliegskool GO29D. Following the completion of a solo cross-country flight, a student pilot was performing a circuit with a passenger. During the second landing attempt, after having previously aborted the first approach, the aircraft drifted off the intended path. The microlight struck trees located adjacent to the gravel airstrip.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control during the landing phase. The investigation focused on the environmental conditions at the time of the accident and the flight experience of the person in command. The weather was reported as fine, though meteorological conditions included gusty winds. The aircraft was operating from a gravel strip located approximately one nautical mile east of Messina.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the landing sequence.
- This loss of control was driven by a significant crosswind, estimated at 90 degrees to the runway, which was characterized by gusty conditions.
- The pilot's limited experience on this specific aircraft type contributed to the inability to manage the wind conditions during the landing.
- There were two injuries reported, but no fatalities occurred during the incident.