What happened
On the morning of 29 July 2006, a Grumman American AA-IA, registration ZU-VYI, departed from The Mynde private airfield in Baynesfield for a private flight to Cato Ridge. The aircraft, operated under visual flight rules, was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft taking off normally. However, shortly after departure, the aircraft was seen flying at a low altitude over a nearby farmhouse. While performing a sharp right-hand turn, the aircraft's nose suddenly pitched downward. The aircraft struck a sugar cane plantation on a local farm with high velocity and a vertical nose attitude. The impact destroyed the airframe, and both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed several witnesses. The investigation confirmed that the engine was in satisfactory condition and showed no signs of mechanical failure prior to the impact. The propeller was found embedded in the soil, indicating it was still rotating at the time of the crash.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance and documentation. While the aircraft had been recently inspected and was considered airworthy, the investigation noted that the pilot's operating handbook (POH) had not been updated to reflect previous modifications to the engine, propeller, and auxiliary systems. Additionally, the aircraft's mass and balance certificate had expired, as the aircraft had not undergone a required reweighing within the previous five years.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating as a non-type-certificated aircraft (NTCA) in compliance with regulations.
- The engine and propeller were not contributory factors to the accident.
- The aircraft was likely operating near its maximum takeoff mass, though the exact fuel load and weight of occupants could not be precisely determined.
- The primary cause of the accident was that the aircraft stalled at low altitude while executing a steep turn to the right.
- The pilot likely failed to compensate for the increased stalling speed during the high bank angle turn.