What happened
On 13 May 2000, a student pilot and an instructor arrived at the Kliprivier aerodrome to conduct a scheduled training session. During the preparations, another pilot at the airfield was performing engine checks on a separate aircraft, ZU-CCB.
While the second pilot was conducting his own run-up at the holding point, he observed the AERO TRIKE, registration ZU-BJM, performing engine checks at the threshold of Runway 02. The ZU-BJM then departed, performing a cross-wind turn shortly after takeoff. Shortly after the departure, the instructor, who remained on the ground, notified the pilot of ZU-CCB that he had lost visual contact with the training aircraft. As the pilot of ZU-CCB transitioned to the right base leg for Runway 02, he spotted the ZU-BJM having already struck the ground south of the aerodrome. The impact resulted in 1 fatality.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path of both aircraft and the environmental conditions present at the time of the accident. Meteorological data indicated that while the weather was generally clear, the area was experiencing strong, gusty wind conditions. The investigation also noted that the pilot of ZU-CCB encountered extreme turbulence near the site of the accident, which nearly caused a secondary incident. The instructor on the ground had directed the pilot of ZU-CCB to apply full power to climb over nearby trees to escape the turbulent air, after which the pilot successfully completed a landing on Runway 02.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a severe gust of wind encountered by the student pilot while the aircraft was turning on the base leg.
- The force of the wind gust rendered the student pilot unable to maintain control of the AERO TRIKE, leading to the ground impact.
- Significant turbulence was present in the vicinity of the accident site, as evidenced by the flight experience of the pilot in ZU-CCB.