What happened
On 11 June 2010, a private flight departing from Toska private aerodrome in the North West province encountered a critical situation in the mountains of the Eastern Cape. The aircraft, a Delta Speed MK II with registration ZU-BXV, was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) carrying a pilot and one passenger. Approximately ten minutes after takeoff, while flying at an altitude of only 200 feet above ground level, the aircraft entered a gorge.
Unable to find an exit from the terrain, the pilot attempted to climb over the far end of the mountains by applying maximum power. However, the aircraft was unable to gain sufficient altitude in time to clear the obstacles. To avoid a high-speed collision with the mountain face, the pilot made the decision to intentionally stall the aircraft into the trees to mitigate impact forces. The aircraft struck the trees in a nose-high attitude and broke apart upon impact. While the passenger escaped without injury, the pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and interviewed the pilot to determine the sequence of events. The inquiry confirmed that the aircraft was well-maintained, with the last annual inspection completed only six hours prior to the accident. The aircraft's weight and balance were within certified limits, and the engine and flight systems were found to be in good working order with no mechanical failures reported. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with clear visibility and few clouds.
Findings
- The pilot was flying a valid private pilot license with a valid medical certificate.
- The aircraft was operating within its maximum takeoff mass.
- There were no mechanical defects or malfunctions that contributed to the loss of control.
- The primary cause of the accident was the deliberate landing of the aircraft on unsuitable terrain to avoid a mountain collision.
- Contributing factors included poor airmanship, a disregard for standard safe operating procedures, and a failure to account for the aerodynamic limitations of the aircraft when attempting the climb.