What happened
On July 15, 2002, a Kitfox II microlight, registration ZU-PAT, was conducting a private flight from Brits to Babsfontein Aerodrome. As the pilot approached the runway for landing, the aircraft encountered a sudden gust of wind under crosswind conditions. The aircraft initially touched down on a single wheel, prompting the pilot to abort the landing by applying full power.
During this go-around attempt, the aircraft was operating at a high angle of attack and experiencing turbulent air, which caused the left wing to drop toward a stall. In an attempt to recover the aircraft, the pilot applied aileron input rather than rudder. This maneuver resulted in a diverging roll to the left. The left wing subsequently struck the ground, causing the aircraft to pivot 180 degrees and crash.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the flight and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was operating under a valid Authority to Fly and had only completed nine hours of flight time since its last annual inspection. Meteorological data at the time of the accident indicated fine weather, though characterized by a crosswind.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was incorrect control input during a critical phase of flight.
- A sudden wind gust occurred immediately prior to touchdown, destabilizing the aircraft.
- The pilot's decision to use aileron instead of rudder to correct the wing drop led to a diverging roll.
- The aircraft was operating at an excessive angle of attack and near a stall condition during the aborted landing.
- There were no fatalities or injuries among the two occupants, though the aircraft suffered extensive damage.