What happened
On the morning of March 31, 2001, a Beaver RX 650 microlight, registered ZU-ABI, departed from Cato Ridge Aerodrome for a private pleasure flight. The pilot was operating the aircraft alone. While flying over the Natal Lion Park, an eyewitness observing the aircraft from a nearby residence noted a sudden and catastrophic change in the aircraft's flight profile. The observer reported seeing one of the wings flap upward at a 90-degree angle relative to the other wing. Following this structural movement, the engine noise diminished as the aircraft descended rapidly, ultimately crashing at the site. There were no other aircraft or external disturbances reported at the time of the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed witnesses to reconstruct the final moments of the flight. Meteorological data at the time indicated clear skies and a temperature of approximately 30°C, with a south wind of about 10 knots. While the observer at the crash site did not experience high winds, the broader area was noted to have fresh to strong and very turbulent conditions. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the airframe and the impact of the atmospheric conditions on the aircraft's structural integrity.
Findings
- The accident resulted in one fatality and no other injuries.
- The investigation established that the upper left wing strut assembly failed due to tensile overload during flight.
- It is possible that the aircraft encountered severe turbulence, which triggered the structural failure of the wing assembly, leading to a total loss of control.