2008 RV-6 Accident at Alverstone Farm Airstrip (ZU-AFP)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 1 June 2008, a Van Grunsven Aircraft Inc. RV-6, registration ZU-AFP, was destroyed after colliding with power lines and Telkom lines during a private visual flight rules approach to Alverstone Farm private airstrip in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The aircraft departed Pietermaritzburg Aerodrome at 0900Z for a flight estimated to take 10 minutes. The pilot, a 68-year-old male with 885 total hours and 473 hours on type, was the sole occupant. He was properly licensed and medically fit for the flight. ## Approach and Impact During the approach to Runway 29, the pilot was behind another aircraft, ZU-SON, and reported excellent visibility with a 10-knot crosswind. The pilot stated he could see the trees and Telkom lines but could not see the power lines, despite knowing they were present. The aircraft struck the power lines and then the Telkom lines, which were spanned across the threshold of Runway 29. The aircraft impacted the ground with the left-hand leading edge first, skidded approximately three metres, and flipped over on its back facing 160°. The aircraft was destroyed by post-impact forces. ## Injuries and Damage The pilot survived with serious injuries and was treated in hospital. The accident was considered survivable due to the pilot being properly restrained by a safety harness. The aircraft was destroyed, and the Eskom power lines and Telkom lines were damaged. There was no evidence of a pre- or post-impact fire. ## Investigation and Probable Cause The investigation found no mechanical defects or maintenance discrepancies that contributed to the accident. The aircraft was serviceable, and the engine and propeller were running normally prior to the impact. The investigator concluded that the pilot was flying too low and on too shallow an approach. The pilot's failure to see the power lines was identified as a contributing factor. The probable cause was determined to be the aircraft colliding with the power lines and Telkom lines due to the pilot flying too low and on too shallow an approach.