Microlight pilot injured during emergency landing attempt near Ermelo

Casualties unknown • Near Ermelo at a GPS position determined as S 26° 46.927' E030° 20.244', ZA

A pilot flying a Windlass Aquilla sustained serious injuries after attempting an emergency landing in dense grass to assist another aircraft involved in an accident.

What happened

On 16 June 2011, a pilot was operating a Windlass Aquilla, registration ZU-FDB, on a private flight from Bapsfontein, Gauteng, toward Sodwana Bay. The flight was being conducted in formation with another aircraft, ZU-COW. After passing Ermelo, both aircraft encountered severe gale-force winds. The pilots decided to divert to Piet Retief to land safely; however, before reaching their destination, the pilot of ZU-able COW was involved in an aviation accident.

In an attempt to assist the pilot of the first aircraft, the pilot of ZU-FDB attempted an immediate landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a patch of tall, dense grassland. The impact caused the aircraft to stop abruptly and nose over, resulting in substantial damage to the wing and nose landing gear.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the site near Ermelo, where the aircraft came to rest at an elevation of approximately 4,889 feet. The investigation established that the landing area consisted of grass roughly 30 to 45 cm high, covering ground that was notably wet and soft.

Regarding the pilot's credentials, while the pilot held the appropriate ratings for the aircraft type, the investigation found that the pilot had failed to sign his license, rendering it technically invalid at the time of the occurrence. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the aircraft had not been maintained according to required schedules, as there was no evidence of an annual inspection since late 2008, and the aircraft lacked a valid Authority to Fly.

Findings

  • The pilot performed an unsuccessful landing on soft, wet ground obscured by dense, tall vegetation.
  • The pilot may have made a hasty decision to land due to the stress of witnessing the other aircraft's accident.
  • Severe wind conditions, reported by the pilot as approximately 30 knots, acted as a contributing factor.
  • The pilot did not obtain an official weather forecast prior to or during the flight.
  • The pilot sustained serious injuries, though the accident was deemed survivable due to the use of safety harnesses.

Safety action

Following the investigation, the CAA recommended that the owner and pilot be addressed regarding the lack of required aircraft maintenance and the failure to maintain a valid Authority to Fly.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was an unsuccessful landing on soft and wet ground covered by tall, dense grass, exacerbated by strong winds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-06-16 Windlass Aquilla accident near Near Ermelo at a GPS position determined as S 26° 46.927' E030° 20.244', ZA?

A pilot flying a Windlass Aquilla sustained serious injuries after attempting an emergency landing in dense grass to assist another aircraft involved in an accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-06-16 involved a Windlass Aquilla, registration ZU-FDB, at Near Ermelo at a GPS position determined as S 26° 46.927' E030° 20.244', ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was an unsuccessful landing on soft and wet ground covered by tall, dense grass, exacerbated by strong winds.

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