What happened
On 28 May 2011, a Cessna R182, registration ZS-KSZ, was participating in the second day of the President's Trophy Air Race. The crew, consisting of a pilot and a navigator, departed from Mafikeng International Airport as part of a scheduled competitive leg.
While flying through a valley near Blokkloof Farm, the aircraft struck high-tension power lines. The impact with the earth wire was severe enough to slice through the vertical stabilizer and rip the rudder from the aircraft. Following the collision, the aircraft pitched up violently before entering a right-hand spiral dive. The plane crashed into the side of the valley and immediately burst into flames. Both occupants sustained 2 fatal injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed witnesses, including a pilot flying in close proximity to the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly maintained and possessed a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or system malfunction prior to the impact; notably, the propeller showed damage consistent with the engine producing power at the time of the crash.
Analysis of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 44.82 meters (147 feet) AGL when it contacted the earth wire, which was positioned at 47.5 meters AGL. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's data logger was not recovered from the site.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with high-tension wires, which led to a total loss of aircraft control.
- A significant contributing factor was low flying, as the aircraft was operating well below the race's prescribed altitude limits of 200 to 500 feet AGL.
- The investigation concluded that the crew may have become fixated on the competition, leading to a failure to maintain the required minimum heights.
- The accident was not survivable due to the extreme deceleration forces and the intensity of the post-impact fire.