What happened
On 10 November 2007, a German pilot arrived at Brits Aerodrome to conduct a local private flight. After completing standard pre-flight inspections and taxiing to the holding point of Runway 20, the pilot departed at approximately 0816Z. The UFM-10 Samba, registration ZS-GVR, climbed steeply before turning north toward the Dikhololo area.
Shortly after takeoff, a witness observed the aircraft performing a series of low-level turns at low speeds, approximately 300 to 400 feet above the ground near the Sable Range. During these maneuvers, the aircraft's nose pitched up abruptly. Although the pilot attempted to correct the pitch, the aircraft banked sharply to the right, causing the left wing to drop approximately 90 degrees. This triggered a flat spin characterized by a rapid loss of altitude. The aircraft descended into tall trees and bushes on a private farm, roughly 6nm north of the aerodrome, impacting the ground in a flat attitude with almost no forward velocity. The pilot, who was secured by a three-point harness, sustained fatal injuries upon impact.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and flight records to determine the sequence of events. The investigation confirmed that the engine was still running at the moment of impact and that the aircraft's flight controls were fully functional prior to the accident. Meteorological data indicated clear skies, good visibility, and light winds at the time of the occurrence.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting he was a professional airline captain from Germany flying under a South African license validation. While the aircraft's maintenance records showed a recent 100-hour inspection, the investigation noted that the aircraft's Authority to Fly had expired in November 2006. Additionally, the investigation found a Panasonic SLR camera in the cockpit, suggesting the pilot may have been attempting to take photographs during the flight.
Findings
- The accident occurred during low-altitude maneuvering involving left and right turns.
- The aircraft's forward airspeed decreased significantly during these turns, leading to a stall.
- The resulting spin occurred at an altitude too low to allow for recovery.
- The aircraft's flight controls were found to be in proper working order.
- The pilot was properly restrained in his seat at the time of the crash.