Fatal Crop Dusting Accident Involving Schweizer Grumman G-164B in Mpumalanga

Casualties unknown • On farm Hartebeesfontein near Balfour, ZA

A single-engine agricultural aircraft crashed during a fertilizer application maneuver near Balfour, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On 27 January 2011, an agricultural flight operating in the Mpumalanga province ended in a fatal accident near the farm Hartebees and Teana. The aircraft, a Schweizer Grumman G-164B with registration ZS-KIL, was engaged in crop dusting operations, specifically applying fertilizer pellets to a maize field.

At approximately 0930Z, the pilot was performing the fourth load of the mission, flying at an altitude of roughly 60ft AGL. While executing a sharp turn at the end of a flight run to align for the next pass, the aircraft suddenly pitched nose-down. The aircraft struck the ground adjacent to the maize field with a steep impact angle of approximately 80 degrees. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was fully compliant with regulatory requirements, possessing a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Registration. The operator held a valid Air Operating Certificate, and the aircraft had undergone a mandatory periodic inspection recently in October 2010.

Technical analysis of the engine, a Pratt & Whitney R1340-ANI, revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or system malfunction prior to the impact. While some damage was noted in the engine turbo, experts confirmed this was a result of the sudden stoppage during the crash rather than a pre-existing defect. The investigation also noted that the pilot was flying in 23°C temperatures, which, due to the cockpit canopy design, likely resulted in higher internal temperatures.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot entered into a steep turn manoeuvre which he was unable to recover from.
  • The aircraft's impact was characterized by a high vertical angle, which contributed to the non-survivable nature of the crash.
  • There were no reported malfunctions of the aircraft's communication or navigational equipment prior to the event.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted a high-angle maneuver during a turn that led to an unrecoverable nose-down pitch and subsequent ground impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-01-27 Schweizer Grumman G-164B accident near On farm Hartebeesfontein near Balfour, ZA?

A single-engine agricultural aircraft crashed during a fertilizer application maneuver near Balfour, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-01-27 involved a Schweizer Grumman G-164B, registration ZS-KIL, at On farm Hartebeesfontein near Balfour, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted a high-angle maneuver during a turn that led to an unrecoverable nose-down pitch and subsequent ground impact.

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