What happened
On 12 May 2001, a Sensation MKII microlight, registered ZU-CCD, was conducting a private flight from Bapsfontein aerodrome toward Rhinopark aerodrome. While cruising at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level, the pilot became preoccupied with a malfunctioning flight instrument that was providing inconsistent data. During this period of distraction, the pilot failed to observe the rising terrain ahead.
The aircraft subsequently struck electrical conductors stretched across a ridge located near the N4 highway, in the vicinity of the Excel filling station, roughly 10 nautical miles west of Bronkhorstspruit. The impact with the power lines caused extensive damage to the aircraft. While there were no fatalities, the pilot sustained serious injuries during the event.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance and certification history, noting that the last annual inspection had been completed on 3 August 2000, when the aircraft had only 10.75 total flying hours. The investigation also identified an administrative error regarding the Proving Flight Authorization; although the document was issued on 12 March 2001, it incorrectly listed an expiry date of 11 August 2002 instead of the correct date of 11 August 2001.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot distraction caused by an intermittent reading on a flight instrument.
- The pilot failed to maintain adequate ground clearance and did not monitor the changing terrain.
- The aircraft struck overhead electrical conductors positioned on a ridge.