What happened
On May 22, 2001, a MAULE MXT-7-180, registered ZS-OCN, was conducting a private flight between Stevens Lumber Mills and a farm strip near Bosbok Farm. During the flight, the pilot decided to perform a simulated forced landing approximately five miles west of Gravelotte. While executing the final approach phase of this maneuver, the aircraft struck telephone wires. The impact caused minor damage to the leading edge of the wings, but the pilot was able to maintain control and complete the flight, landing safely at the intended destination.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators reviewed the circumstances surrounding the contact with the wires and the aircraft's maintenance status. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions at the time of the incident were fine. Records indicated that the aircraft was being maintained according to prescribed intervals. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had only flown 5.7 hours since its last maintenance inspection, and the next scheduled inspection was not due until late November 2001 or upon reaching a specific flight hour threshold.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the collision with telephone wires.
- The pilot failed to observe the wires during the approach for the simulated emergency maneuver.