What happened
On the morning of 21 August 2010, a Cheetah XLS aircraft, registration ZU-ETC, departed from Runway 03 at Springs Aerodrome for a private flight. The aircraft was occupied by the pilot and one passenger, who was also a pilot. During the flight, the aircraft entered a left-hand circuit, but the pilot encountered significant difficulties due to environmental conditions.
The first landing attempt was unsuccessful, leading the pilot to initiate a go-around. During the subsequent approach, the aircraft overshot the runway centerline. A second go-around was performed, but during the following left-hand orbit, the aircraft crossed the runway at a very low altitude. The aircraft subsequently pitched up, entered a stall, and struck the ground in a nosedown attitude. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage, onboard GPS data, and meteorological reports. The investigation established that the aircraft was an amateur-built, non-type certified aircraft that had been maintained according to regulations. The engine and propeller were found to be producing power at the moment of impact, and the aircraft's weight and balance were within safe limits.
Analysis of the GPS data revealed that the aircraft was flying at very low altitudes during its final maneuvers, reaching as low as 6 meters above ground level. Investigators also noted that while the pilot held an instrument rating, the aircraft was not equipped for instrument flight. Furthermore, a discrepancy in radio communications was identified; the pilot had likely tuned the radio to 124.4 MHz instead of the correct 122.4 MHz frequency, which prevented the pilot from receiving warnings from other pilots regarding the deteriorating weather.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft stalling and crashing following the second go-around.
- Low-lying fog and mist significantly reduced visibility, creating instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) that were unsuitable for visual flight.
- Strong winds, exceeding 10 knots, resulted in two unstable approaches and unsuccessful landing attempts.
- The pilot attempted to continue visual flight despite the presence of fog and poor visibility.