What happened
On 7 February 2008, an Apollo Fox microlight, registration ZU-ERW, was conducting a private VFR flight from Tempe Aerodrome to Nelspruit Aerodrome. While traversing the Senekal area in the Free State Province, the aircraft was observed by witnesses flying at an extremely low altitude. Witnesses noted that the engine sounded normal, comparing the noise to that of a passing vehicle, but could not determine why the aircraft was maintaining such a low height.
As the aircraft approached a section of rising terrain, it struck the tops of a row of trees. The impact caused the pilot to lose control, and the aircraft plummeted to the ground in a steep, nose-down attitude. The subsequent impact was followed by a post-impact fire that destroyed the airframe. Both the pilot and the passenger, who was also a licensed pilot, sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the flight path to determine the sequence of events. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's engine and airframe showed no signs of mechanical failure or maintenance anomalies prior to the accident. Evidence at the site indicated that the propeller was still rotating at the moment of impact.
While the aircraft was properly maintained and held a valid authority to fly, investigators noted that neither the pilot nor the passenger held a specific type rating for the Apollo Fox. The investigation focused on the flight path, noting that the aircraft had to navigate rising terrain, which may have necessitated a climb that led to the collision with the trees.