What happened
On April 1, 2002, at approximately 15:15Z, an Aerotrike Scout microlight, registration ZU-CKY, was involved in a collision with overhead power lines near Naboomspruit. The aircraft was being operated by a pilot accompanied by one passenger. The flight was being conducted at a low altitude over a gravel road, traveling in a westerly direction. The pilot was attempting to use the aircraft to guide family members, who were traveling by vehicle on the road, toward the aerodrome.
While flying toward the sun, the aircraft struck high-tension wires that were stretched across the road. The impact severed the wires and caused the aircraft to nose-dive into the ground roughly 45 meters past the site of the collision. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft suffered extensive damage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the environmental and operational conditions at the time of the accident. The weather was reported as clear with a temperature of 30°C and winds from the north at 18 knots. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's documentation. It was established that the pilot was flying under a private license that had expired on March 31, 2001. Additionally, the aircraft was operating under a Special Flight Permit that was valid at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The pilot was flying at a very low altitude while heading directly toward the sun, which likely obscured the view of obstacles.
- The high-tension wires spanning the gravel road were not clearly marked, making them difficult to detect.
- The pilot failed to notice the high-tension wires during the low-level maneuver, leading to the fatal impact with the lines.