What happened
On April 24, 1999, at approximately 1500Z, a Mustang aircraft, registration ZS-WSG, departed from Vanderbijl Aerodrome for a scenic flight within the Vanderbijl district. The flight was accompanied by one passenger. During the operation, the aircraft experienced a structural failure where the fabric on the inner trailing edge of the right-hand wing tore.
This damage led to immediate flight instability. In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot initiated a forced landing in a field. The landing site was heavily bordered by tall trees. During the descent, the aircraft's single wheel made contact with the treetops, making a heavy impact unavoidable. The damage to the aircraft was further intensified when the plane struck an anthill during the landing sequence.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading from the initial wing fabric tear to the impact with the terrain. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was carrying two people (the pilot and one passenger) and that there were no fatalities and no injuries resulting from the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the instability was the torn fabric on the inner trailing edge of the right-hand wing.
- The landing was complicated by the presence of high trees surrounding the landing field.
- The impact with an anthill contributed to the severe destruction of the airframe.