What happened
On 24 November 2002, an Aerotrike Cobra microlight, registration ZU-COI, was conducting a private flight near the Vaal dam. The flight was intended to depart from and return to Bayshore Marine aerodrome. While weather conditions were clear, the temperature was low at 11°C, and a 12-knot South Easterly wind was present.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 20, the aircraft required an unusually long distance to reach rotation speed. Immediately after lifting off, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway. The pilot reported experiencing wind shear, which caused the aircraft to lose altitude despite the engine operating at full power. In an effort to recover height, the pilot pushed the control bar forward, but this maneuver led to an uncontrolled roll to the left, causing the aircraft to strike the runway surface.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and the runway conditions at the time of the accident. The grass runway used for the takeoff featured an upward slope of approximately 6 degrees. The investigation determined the total weight of the aircraft, including the pilot, passenger, and 77 liters of fuel, was 442 kg. This figure was within the maximum certified mass of 450 kg, though it remained near the limit.
Findings
- The up-sloping grass runway and the aircraft's gross weight significantly hindered the takeoff and climb performance.
- The aircraft failed to achieve sufficient altitude following rotation due to these combined factors.
- Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries in the impact.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the collision.