What happened
On 26 April 2003, a ZENAIR ZODIAC, registration ZU-ALX, was conducting a private flight from Rhino Park Aerodrome with an intended destination of Sodwana. The flight crew, consisting of the pilot and one passenger, planned to make a stop at Ermelo Aerodrome to refuel. However, the aircraft never reached its intended destination.
Farm laborers eventually discovered the wreckage on Farm Middelplaat, situated roughly 4 nautical miles northwest of Ermelo Aerodrome. The investigation determined that the aircraft struck the ground at a 45-degree nose-down angle, traveling on a bearing of 180 degrees. The engine and forward section of the aircraft created a ground scar spanning approximately 45 meters before the wreckage stopped. The impact was severe, resulting in the destruction of the cockpit and cabin, as well as extensive damage to both wings. Both the pilot and the passenger were ejected from the aircraft during the collision; their bodies were later recovered from a farm dam located about 35 meters from the main debris field. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight conditions and the aircraft's capabilities at the time of the accident. Meteorological reports indicated that dense fog was present across the accident area during the event. The ZENAIR ZODIAC was categorized as an LS/1 aircraft, meaning it was equipped with only limited instrumentation and was not capable of flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Furthermore, while the pilot held a valid Microlight license, they did not possess an instrument rating.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to continue visual flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
- In an attempt to remain clear of cloud cover, the pilot descended into the fog.
- The pilot lacked the necessary instrument rating to navigate the degraded visibility.
- The aircraft lacked the required instrumentation for flight in such conditions.