History of Flight
On 16 June 2011, a pilot was flying a Windlass Aquilla microlight aircraft, registration ZU-FDB, from Microland near Bapsfontein to Sodwana in Northern Natal. Another aircraft, ZU-COW, was following. After passing Ermelo at approximately 0915Z, both aircraft encountered severe strong winds and decided to land at Piet Retief, the next town en route. However, before reaching Piet Retief, the pilot of ZU-COW was involved in an accident. The pilot of ZU-FDB then attempted to land in order to assist, but in the process also crashed at GPS coordinates S 26° 46.927' E030° 20.244' at an elevation of 4889 ft ASL during daytime conditions.
Injuries
The pilot sustained serious injuries. The aircraft had one person on board.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear and the wing.
Meteorological Information
The official weather report from the South African Weather Service indicated wind direction 340° at 22 knots, CAVOK conditions, temperature 15°C, dew point 2°C. The pilot reported the wind speed at 30 knots. Both the pilot and some witnesses reported gale force winds prevailing at the time of the accident. No official weather forecast was obtained prior to or during the flight.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was flat grassland with dense grass averaging 30–45 cm high. The ground underneath was very wet and soft. The aircraft landed in a southerly direction, stopped almost immediately, and nosed over.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 38, held a Microlight Pilot Licence that was invalid because it was not signed. He had 232.1 total flying hours, with 191.9 hours on type.
Aircraft Information
The Windlass Aquilla (serial number WA 1198, manufactured in 2009) had 191.9 total airframe hours. The last annual inspection was on 10 December 2008 at 24.4 hours, and no proof of subsequent maintenance was provided. The Authority to Fly issued on 5 March 2009 expired on 10 December 2009, and no valid Authority to Fly was produced.
Probable Cause
Unsuccessful landing on soft and wet ground covered with tall and dense grass. Strong winds were a contributory factor.
Other Findings
The pilot was rated on the aircraft type. The mass and centre of gravity were within limits. There was no evidence of airframe failure or system malfunction prior to the accident.