What happened
On 10 June 2006, a Windlass Aquilla microlight, registration ZU-ARI, crashed into the ocean near the Wild Coast, close to the Dwesa Nature Reserve. The aircraft was engaged in a commercial mission to assist a French film production company, Galatée Films, in locating sardine shoals by spotting indicators such as dolphin pods and bird activity along the South African coastline.
The flight departed from Port St Johns with a pilot and one passenger. After flying southwesterly toward Mazeppa Bay, the pilot had previously reported having approximately 30 litres of fuel remaining following a period of flying against headwinds. While there were conflicting reports regarding whether the pilot successfully uplifted additional fuel at Mazeppa Bay or the Cobb-Inn, the aircraft's engine was observed to run roughly before failing. An eyewitness reported seeing the aircraft flying roughly 600 metres from the shoreline when it suddenly turned toward the beach, ultimately impacting the sea. The accident resulted in two fatalities.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight logs, communications, and witness accounts to reconstruct the final moments of the flight. The investigation looked into the fuel management of the mission, specifically whether the pilot had successfully replenished the 50-litre capacity tank during the coastal patrol. Investigators reviewed messages sent by the pilot and spoke with local personnel at the Cobb-Inn and Port St Johns to determine the aircraft's fuel status. The inquiry also considered the impact of headwinds on the aircraft's endurance during the search for bait balls.
Findings
- The engine was observed to experience power loss or irregular running immediately prior to the impact.
- There was no definitive evidence to confirm whether the pilot successfully uplifted additional fuel at Maze 0ppa Bay or the Cobb-Inn as intended.
- It could not be determined with certainty if the crash was the direct result of a fuel exhaustion event or a mechanical engine failure.