What happened
On 2 July 2011, a private flight departing from Lydenburg Aerodrome in Mpumalanga Province resulted in an aircraft accident. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, took off from runway 22 in a Bantam B22J (ZU-CYM). Shortly after rotation, at an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the aircraft entered a stall and began rolling to the left.
The pilot attempted to recover by applying maximum right aileron and right rudder, and by lowering the nose to increase airspeed, but the aircraft failed to respond to these inputs. To avoid obstacles, the pilot executed a forced landing, steering the aircraft away from ant heaps near the runway. However, the aircraft ultimately struck the aerodrome's perimeter wire fence. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, there were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
An investigation into the event established that the pilot was properly licensed and medically certified for the flight. The aircraft was well within its maximum takeoff weight, weighing 411 kg—39 kg below the certified limit. Maintenance records confirmed the aircraft had undergone its annual inspection earlier that year and was considered serviceable.
Meteorological data indicated a southerly wind of 8-9 knots and a density altitude of approximately 6,500 feet. The investigation also noted that the presence of four hangars located to the right of the runway, combined with reported variable wind conditions, created a potential for wind shear during the takeoff phase.
Findings
- The pilot was qualified and the aircraft was airworthy.
- A sudden change in wind direction caused the aircraft to lose flying speed following takeoff.
- This loss of airspeed led to the aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.