Accident Overview
On 13 March 2002, a privately owned Atlas AL-60C-4M Kudu, registration ZS-WXG, was involved in an accident during a practice flight for a recreational extreme sports event in the Western Cape region of South Africa. The event, scheduled for 14–15 March, involved teams from South Africa, the USA, Norway, and Israel competing in base jumping, skydiving, scuba diving, and mountain biking. Five Atlas Kudu aircraft were used to transport competitors. The pilot, aged 39, held an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license valid at the time, with 9,400 total flying hours and 690 hours on type.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed Stellenbosch airfield at approximately 1230Z to familiarize flight crews with three landing strips planned for the competition. The first destination was a dirt road south of Cape Hangklip, for which prior permission had been obtained from the owner, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), and local authorities. The road was blocked for the intended landing. The usable landing and take-off surface was approximately 900 meters with a downward slope from west to east. The aircraft landed at about 1250Z.
At approximately 1300Z, the aircraft began its take-off run on a heading of 110° magnetic. Rotation occurred at about 500 meters, and the aircraft commenced its climb. According to the pilot and the passenger in the right-hand seat, at approximately 30 feet above ground level and 65 knots, the aircraft encountered wind shear, reducing the indicated airspeed (IAS) to about 60 knots. The pilot turned right toward lower ground (southeast), during which IAS further decreased to 55 knots. The pilot reported a sink rate despite full power being selected. He then selected 66% flap and attempted a forced landing on Silver Sands beach. Upon landing, the aircraft rolled for approximately 20 meters before the main wheels dug into the soft sand, causing the aircraft to overturn.
Injuries and Damage
One person was injured in the accident. There were no fatalities. The aircraft sustained damage due to the overturn.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority attributed the accident to the tail wind component and wind shear encountered during take-off, which prevented the pilot from maintaining flying speed, leading to a forced landing on the beach.