What happened
On 2 September 2006, a pilot prepared to fly a Cross Country 503 microlight, registration ZU-AZA, from the University of Potchef andsroom's Van der Bijl Park campus to Vereeniging Aerodrome (FAVV). The weather conditions were fine with good visibility.
To initiate the engine start, the pilot used a pull-start method while standing outside the aircraft near the engine. However, the throttle had been left in a position significantly above idle. Upon starting, the aircraft moved forward and ran over the pilot. This impact caused the pilot to fall across the seat, leaving him unable to regain control of the controls. The aircraft then became airborne in an uncontrolled manner, entered a shallow right-hand turn, and struck a campus hostel building approximately 50 meters away. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
In addition to the destruction of the aircraft, the sequence caused structural damage to the building and minor damage to the propeller of a nearby parked aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators established that the aircraft was properly maintained and the pilot held valid licenses and medical certification. The investigation focused on why the aircraft moved unexpectedly during the engine start sequence.
Investigators noted that some pilots use a practice of locking the throttle at a specific setting during cruise to avoid constant foot-throttle adjustments. It was suggested that the pilot may have landed a previous flight with the engine off and failed to reset the throttle from its locked, high-power position. The investigation also confirmed that the weather played no role in the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an improper or incomplete pre-flight inspection.
- The throttle was left in a position well above idle, leading to the uncontrolled movement of the aircraft.
- The pilot was incapacitated and unable to control the aircraft after being run over by the moving microlight.