What happened
On 25 April 2002, a private flight operating a Spitfire IX, registration ZU-SPT, was conducting a flight from Swartkop Air Force Base to Wonderboom Aerodrome. While attempting to land on Runway 24, the pilot performed an orbit to the northwest to reposition for a final approach. After re-joining the circuit on a right-hand downwind, the aircraft's track began to converge toward the runway threshold. In an attempt to correct the course, the pilot initiated a steep right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a stall condition. The pilot responded by applying significant power, but this action triggered an uncontrollable roll to the left, leading to a ground impact on the right-hand side of Runway 29. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the maintenance history and the pilot's flight experience. The aircraft, an ex-military model, had undergone an annual inspection on 13 June 2001, with only 24.5 flight hours logged since that inspection. All maintenance was performed according to an approved schedule, and the aircraft held a valid Authority to Fly. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that while the pilot possessed 500 total flying hours, they had only 5 hours of experience on this specific aircraft type. The pilot's extensive background flying Pilatus PC6 aircraft was also noted during the review of flight proficiency.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the execution of a steep turn at low speed during the final approach.
- The left wing of the aircraft stalled during the turn, causing an uncontrolled leftward rotation.
- The application of high power during the stall exacerbated the left-hand roll.
- The pilot's limited experience on the Spitfire IX was a contributing factor to the loss of control.