Accident Overview
On 27 April 2000, at approximately 14:15 Z, a Bellanca 8KCAB aircraft registered as ZS-MFO collided with electrical conductors over the Vaal river near Orkney, South Africa. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the river. The pilot, aged 33, held a private pilot license and was accompanied by one passenger.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Bellanca 8KCAB. The pilot had accumulated 253.8 total flying hours, with 83.2 hours on the type. His license was valid. The flight was conducted under private operation.
Accident Sequence
The pilot departed Klerksdorp aerodrome (FAKD) at approximately 13:45 Z for a local private flight. The intended route was to fly down the course of the Vaal river towards an area where aerobatics would be performed. Departing on runway 18, the aircraft flew south towards the Vaal river near Orkney. While flying along the river, the pilot did not notice three 11 kV electrical conductors spanning the river at a height of approximately 30 meters above the water. The aircraft struck and severed the conductors, then plunged into the river approximately 250 meters further downstream. The aircraft was flying in a westerly direction at the time. The river at that point was shallow, and the aircraft came to rest on its nose in an inverted attitude.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained extensive damage in the collision. Despite the severity of the impact, neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained any serious injuries. According to the official report, no injuries or fatalities occurred.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official report, was that the pilot conducted a low-level flight below 500 feet without familiarising himself with the terrain and location of possible hazards.