What happened
On the morning of 21 May 2002, a Mizer Aircraft Corporation MIII microllight, registered ZS-WKL, departed from FAMG for a visual flight rules (VFR) pleasure flight toward Port Shepstone. The flight was being conducted by a pilot with a valid microlight license and type rating, accompanied by the aircraft owner.
Approximately 12 minutes after takeoff, while cruising at an altitude of roughly 1,000 feet above ground level, the aircraft's engine ceased functioning. The pilot attempted an emergency forced landing on the N2 highway near the Izotsha off-ramp in Shelley Beach, KwaZulu-Natal. During the descent, the aircraft's left wing struck a 200m marker located at the highway off-ramp. This impact caused the aircraft to veer off the roadway and into a roadside ditch.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent impact. Meteorological reports confirmed that fine weather conditions were present during the flight. While the pilot and passenger survived, the passenger sustained minor injuries, while the pilot remained uninjured. The aircraft suffered significant damage to its undercarriage, nose cone, and left wing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was the breaking of the crankshaft within the Rotax 352 engine.
- The aircraft's left wing struck highway infrastructure during the forced landing sequence, leading to the loss of directional control and the subsequent excursion into a ditch.