What happened
On July 1, 2000, a Beech C-23, registration ZS-ITR, was engaged in a private flight from Kuruman to Van Zyls_rust. During the flight, the pilot misidentified a horse racing track as the intended destination airfield. While performing a low pass along the racetrack, the aircraft collided with high-voltage power lines that were spanning across the course. The impact was severe enough to sever all three conductors, causing them to fall into an area where approximately 800 spectators were gathered. Despite the extensive damage sustained to the wings and wing tips, the aircraft remained airborne and continued flying.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the collision and gathered eyewitness testimony from an Eskom employee present at the event. The witness observed the light aircraft circling the area before it executed the low pass that resulted in the strike. The investigation also noted that several spectators were positioned directly beneath the power lines at the time of the incident. Following the event, emergency measures were implemented to warn the crowd of the electrical hazards and to ensure the downed lines were made safe.
Findings
- The pilot mistakenly identified the horse racing track as the Van Zylsrust airfield.
- The aircraft performed a low-altitude flight over the racetrack, leading to the collision.
- The impact with the high-voltage lines caused extensive damage to the aircraft's wings and wing tips.
- There were no injuries reported among the passengers or the spectators present at the track.