What happened
On 29 May 2000, an Emeraude CP301A, registered ZS-UGH, crashed at Ermelo Aerodrome during a flight testing session. The aircraft had recently undergone a significant rebuild, having been purchased in 1998 without an engine and subsequently fitted with a Lycoming powerplant. Following the acquisition of an authority to fly, the pilot had been conducting runway tests for approximately two weeks. On the day preceding the accident, the pilot had completed several circuit patterns. During the flight on the day of the accident, while maintaining an altitude of approximately 700 feet AGL, the right-hand wing suffered a failure. This led to a steep, nose-down impact with the ground, resulting in a post-crash fire that destroyed both the aircraft and nearby vegetation. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's recent maintenance history. The investigation established that the aircraft was being operated for private flight testing purposes. While no official meteorological report was available, local reports indicated fine weather conditions at the time of the event. The investigation found no evidence that the aircraft was operated outside of its center of gravity envelope or exceeded its maximum weight limitations. Notably, the investigators were unable to locate a Pilot’s Operating Manual for the aircraft. The wreckage of the right-hand wing was recovered approximately 500 meters from the primary impact site, positioned along the aircraft's flight path.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a structural failure of the right-hand wing.
- The aircraft was a rebuilt unit, having been integrated with a Lycoming engine after its initial purchase.
- The pilot was performing routine flight testing following a period of ground-based testing.
- There was no indication of improper loading or weight and balance issues.