What happened
On 06 June 2011, a Windlass Aquilla microlight, registration ZU-CNB, was conducting a private flight from Microland aerodrome toward Bapsfontein. After a scheduled stop at Amersfoort aerodrome to refuel, the aircraft continued its journey. However, approximately 13.5 nautical miles from Springs, the pilot noted that the fuel level had dropped to roughly 15 litres.
In an attempt to reach the Springs (FASI) aerodrome for refueling, the engine suddenly lost power following an audible disturbance from the propeller. The pilot attempted an emergency forced landing across the Endicott farm area. During the descent, strong winds caused the aircraft to drift, leading to a collision with telephone wires spanning an open field. The impact forced the aircraft into a steep, nose-down ground strike, causing substantial damage to the aircraft and serious injuries to the pilot, while the passenger escaped without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid microlight license and the aircraft possessed a valid authority to fly. On-site analysis of the fuel system revealed that only approximately one litre of fuel could be drained from the tank, confirming that the engine had ceased functioning due to fuel exhaustion.
Witnesses at the scene observed the aircraft in an unstable, low-altitude, nose-down attitude immediately before it struck the wires. The investigation also noted that while the aircraft was within its maximum takeoff weight of 450kg, the pilot had failed to sufficiently account for fuel consumption and distance between aerodromes during pre-flight planning.