What happened
On the morning of 27 September 2010, a pilot-owner conducting a local private flight struck electrical power lines near a farm in Roodekopjes, approximately 37 km from Brits. The pilot, the sole occupant of the Aviatika 890U, had departed from his own farm earlier that morning with the intention of completing a short circuit and returning to the same location.
As the aircraft approached the farm for landing, it crossed the R511 road at a low altitude. An eyewitness on the ground observed the aircraft flying roughly 10 meters above the height of the parallel power lines. The aircraft appeared to be operating normally until it made contact with the wires. The impact caused the aircraft to lose control and descend in a steep, nose-down attitude, striking the ground at high speed. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and passed away while being transported to a hospital.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage at the crash site, which was a level maize field. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident.
Technical inspections of the engine, airframe, and flight controls revealed no evidence of mechanical failure, system deficiency, or structural defects prior to the impact. The engine was found to be capable of running, and the fuel system showed no signs of contamination. Investigators also noted that the damage observed on the wreckage was entirely consistent with the high-speed impact forces. Meteorological data confirmed that visibility was good and weather conditions were suitable for visual flight, effectively ruling out weather as a contributing factor.
Findings
- The aircraft was properly maintained, with a valid authority to fly and a recent annual inspection.
- The pilot held a valid microlight license and medical certificate.
- There was no evidence of any pre-impact malfunction of the power plant or flight controls.
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control following a collision with power lines.