What happened
On 18 March 2006, a group of seven microlight aircraft participated in a private flight between Dragon’s Peak and Eva’s Fields in KwaZulu-Natal. The initial leg of the journey was uneventful; however, during the return flight, a sub-group of three aircraft—including ZU-AHU—diverted from the original track to explore scenic areas.
As the group approached Dragon’s Peak, the pilots encountered high terrain obscured by low cloud cover. To maintain safety, the pilots decided to deviate from their path to fly around the obscured area. During this maneuver, the pilot of ZU-AHU became separated from the other two aircraft in the formation. After several unsuccessful attempts to establish radio contact, a search operation was launched by both air and ground teams. The wreckage of the Gemini Flash 2 Alpha was eventually located on the summit of a mountain in the White Mountain area, where the pilot had sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the pilot's records to determine the sequence of events. The investigation revealed that the aircraft struck the ground at a high velocity and a steep, descending angle, with the impact damage concentrated on the right side of the airframe. This pattern suggested the aircraft was likely performing a sharp right-hand turn to avoid the terrain.
Technical inspections of the engine uncovered several irregularities, including incorrect main jets, improperly gapped spark plugs, and modifications to the fuel system. While these issues could have resulted in insufficient power during a critical climb, investigators found no definitive proof of an engine failure during the flight. Additionally, while the pilot held a valid microlight license, he was not formally rated for the specific Gemini Flash 2 Alpha model.
Findings
- The pilot transitioned from Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), leading to spatial disorientation.
- The aircraft exceeded its stall angle during a maneuver to avoid the mountain.
- No weather briefing was obtained prior to the flight, leaving the pilot unaware of the changing conditions.
- The aircraft's engine was operating with several mechanical anomalies that may have hindered power output.
- The pilot was flying the aircraft without the required type-specific endorsement on his license.