What happened
On 10 April 2011, a Quick-R microlight, registration ZU-TAZ, was conducting a local private flight departing from the Rietfontein Private Airstrip in Gauteng. The flight, operated under Visual Flight Rules, included the pilot and one passenger.
During the takeoff roll, as the aircraft reached speeds between 55 and 60 mph, the pilot attempted to lift off by pushing the trapeze bar forward. Shortly after leaving the ground, the left wing stalled, causing the aircraft to lose lift. The pilot managed to recover the aircraft and successfully performed an emergency landing back on the runway. However, during the landing phase, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer left of the runway centerline. The aircraft subsequently struck a concrete pole located 33 meters from the centerline, leaving the aircraft resting on its side in a ditch.
An aircraft flying nearby witnessed the incident and landed to provide assistance. Both occupants of the ZU-TAZ sustained minor injuries, with the passenger receiving treatment for shock.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances of the takeoff and the subsequent impact. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions were excellent, with clear skies and calm winds, ruling out meteorology as a contributing factor. Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had been properly maintained and had undergone its annual inspection according to regulations. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders, which is standard for this aircraft type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control following the landing attempt.
- The pilot was operating with an invalid pilot license and an expired medical certificate, which had lapsed in January 2009.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its undercarriage and wing, while the concrete pole involved in the collision was broken.
- The aircraft's authority to fly was valid at the time of the occurrence.