Two fatalities in gyrocopter crash near Harrismith

Casualties unknown • Farm Scheepershoek between Harrismith and Bergville, ZA

A private pleasure flight involving an Auto Gyro MT 03 ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft encountered heavy fog and low clouds.

What happened

On 11 September 2008, a group of gyrocopters departed from Kitty Hawk Aerodrome for a weekend fly-away to Port St John’s. After a refueling stop at Harrismith Aerodrome, the group intended to proceed to Dragon’s Peak for an overnight stay. Shortly after departing Harrismith, the pilots encountered deteriorating weather conditions, characterized by dense fog and low cloud cover near the Sterkfontein dam area.

While most of the group decided to turn back to Harrismith due to the lack of instrument ratings among the pilots, the Auto Gyro MT 03, registration ZU-EHD, became separated from the group. During the return leg, other pilots in the formation reported hearing a distress call from the aircraft's passenger over the radio. The aircraft was later located by farm workers on the Scheepershoek farm, situated between Harrismith and Bergville. The impact with an outcropped rock caused the fuel tank to rupture, resulting in a post-impact fire that completely destroyed the aircraft. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained two fatal injuries.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the mechanical state of the aircraft. A teardown inspection of the Rotax 914 engine revealed no mechanical failures or defects that could have caused an in-flight engine stoppage. The aircraft's maintenance records indicated it had been maintained by an accredited professional and was in a valid state of airworthiness. The investigation also focused on the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, noting strong north-westerly winds and significantly reduced visibility due to fog.

Findings

  • The pilot held a valid private gyrocopter license but lacked an instrument rating.
  • The aircraft was not equipped or certified for flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
  • The flight encountered heavy fog and low clouds, leading to controlled flight into terrain under instrument meteorological conditions.
  • There were no evidence of engine failure or pre-existing mechanical issues contributing to the crash.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot operating the aircraft into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without the necessary instrument rating or equipment, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-09-11 Auto gyro MT 03 accident near Farm Scheepershoek between Harrismith and Bergville, ZA?

A private pleasure flight involving an Auto Gyro MT 03 ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft encountered heavy fog and low clouds.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-09-11 involved a Auto gyro MT 03, registration ZU-EHD, at Farm Scheepershoek between Harrismith and Bergville, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot operating the aircraft into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without the necessary instrument rating or equipment, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.

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