What happened
On 22 March 2008, a Jihlavan KP5-ASA departed from a private airstrip at Farm Fullerton, near Harrismith, for a short pleasure flight. The pilot was accompanied by one passenger. During the flight, an eyewitness observed the aircraft exhibiting unstable flight characteristics, specifically pitching up and down and rolling from side to side. The aircraft eventually disappeared from view, after which the witness located the wreckage.
The aircraft impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude, resulting in two fatalities. Both occupants were wearing their safety harnesses at the time of the impact. The wreckage was destroyed upon hitting the rising terrain.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the surrounding environment to determine the cause of the accident. The investigation included a teardown of the Rotax 914 engine, which revealed no internal component failures. While evidence from the propeller blades indicated the engine was not running at the moment of impact, investigators could not determine why the engine had ceased operation.
Physical inspection of the airframe showed that the control surfaces, including the ailerons, elevators, and rudder, were intact and free of mechanical defects prior to the impact. The investigation also noted that while the aircraft was equipped with a ballistic parachute system, the safety pin had not been removed prior to takeoff, rendering the system inoperable during the emergency.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a stall from which the pilot was unable to recover due to insufficient altitude.
- The aircraft struck rising terrain in a nose-down attitude.
- The engine was not running at the time of impact, though no mechanical cause for the engine's state was identified.
- The ballistic parachute system was unavailable for use because the safety pin remained inserted.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable, with good visibility and light winds, and were not a contributing factor.