What happened
On the morning of 25 June 2002, a private flight involving a Windlass Aquilla, registration ZU-BHA, ended in a fatal accident off the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. The pilot had departed from Margate Aerodrome with the intention of flying toward the Bazley Beach area to locate sardine schools and alert local fishermen. After an initial landing on the beach at Bazley, the pilot took off again shortly before 1030Z to continue the search. During this second leg of the flight, the aircraft went down in the ocean just off the coastline.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the crash, which occurred under fine weather conditions. The pilot was found to be fully qualified, holding a valid microlight pilot license with the appropriate type endorsement, as well as a valid medical certificate. Records indicated that the aircraft had been maintained according to required standards. The accident resulted in one fatality, with the pilot sustaining fatal injuries upon impact, while the aircraft suffered extensive damage.
Findings
Analysis of the event suggests that the primary cause of the accident was pilot incapacitation. Evidence indicates the pilot may have suffered from acute myocardial ischaemia, a condition involving a critical lack of blood flow to the heart, which rendered them unable to control the aircraft.