What happened
On the morning of October 30, 1999, an Ayres S2R-T34, registered ZS-KBI, was involved in a fatal aviation accident near Reitz. The aircraft was being operated on a ferry flight, returning from a crop spraying mission to a private airstrip located approximately 3.5 km west of Reitz airfield.
During the flight, the pilot approached the Bietjiewater holiday resort. Witnesses positioned roughly 500 meters from the impact site observed the aircraft performing a low fly-pass over the resort. Following this pass, the pilot attempted a rolling maneuver. However, the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude to complete the move safely. The aircraft struck the ground, and the impact resulted in an explosion. There was one fatality involving the pilot, and no other occupants were on board.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the flight and the pilot's actions. The investigation established that the aircraft was returning to pick up an additional load for agricultural work. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as fine with no significant wind. The investigation also noted that the pilot had extensive experience on this specific aircraft type, with approximately 1,390 hours logged.
Findings
- The pilot attempted a flight maneuver that exceeded the prescribed operating limitations of the aircraft.
- The aircraft was flying at an altitude too low to allow for recovery from the roll.
- The impact with the terrain was severe enough to cause the aircraft to explode.