What happened
On 1 February 2011, a Gippsland GA-200C, registration ZS-OPH, was engaged in crop-spraying operations near Ladybrand. The flight originated from Bethlehem Aerodrome, with the pilot intending to conclude the mission at Ladybrand Aerodrome. During the second-to-last spray run, the pilot attempted to execute a left turn by pulling up on the aircraft. During this maneuver, the engine experienced a momentary loss of power, causing the aircraft to stall. The aircraft entered a left-hand flat spin at a very low altitude, leaving the pilot with insufficient height to recover before striking a farm field. The impact destroyed the aircraft, though the pilot survived with serious injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components. While the pilot reported a loss of power, a subsequent inspection of the Textron Lycoming engine by an approved maintenance organization found no mechanical anomalies or fuel supply obstructions. Evidence from the propeller damage indicated that the engine was actually producing power at the moment of impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight logs and the operator's compliance with regulations. It was noted that the pilot had flown 5.8 hours on the day of the accident and had significantly exceeded the maximum allowable flight time of 35 hours within a seven-day period. Additionally, the pilot did not hold an agricultural rating endorsement on his commercial license.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed during the turn.
- The pilot executed an uncoordinated turn at a low altitude without deploying the wing flaps to assist with the turn radius.
- The pilot was operating in violation of flight and duty time limitations, having flown far beyond the permitted weekly threshold.
- The pilot lacked the specific agricultural rating required for the operation.
- The aircraft's weight and balance were within safe operating limits, and the weather conditions were clear and favorable.
- The engine was found to be in a satisfactory condition with no evidence of mechanical failure.