What happened
On 10 September 2005, during a scheduled airshow at Vereeniging Aerodrome (FAVV), a formation of four aircraft from the Sasol Tiger team was performing a display routine. The flight had departed from Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) with the intention of completing the display and returning to their home base.
While flying in a diamond formation, the group passed over Runway 03/2D at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level. The flight plan called for a 270-degree right-hand turn, which would conclude at a right angle to the runway to facilitate a planned break. According to the flight sequence, the fourth aircraft in the formation was designated to break away to the left, while the remaining three aircraft would continue the right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the L29 Delphin, registration ZU-DHV, experienced an uncontrolled, steep left-hand turn. Although the aircraft partially recovered from an inverted position, it lacked sufficient altitude to stabilize. The aircraft struck the ground with the fuselage parallel to the terrain, resulting in two fatalities. The impact was followed by a fire that destroyed the aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight parameters and the configuration of the aircraft during the maneuver. The investigation focused on the flight dynamics of the fourth aircraft during its break from the diamond formation and the meteorological conditions, which were reported as CAVOK with light winds.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a high-G turn that was initiated without the necessary energy levels.
- The aircraft was in an incorrect configuration for the maneuver.
- The deployment of air brakes during the turn significantly altered the aircraft's handling characteristics.
- There was a failure to attend the pilot safety briefing.
- The planned display maneuvers had not been validated prior to the airshow.