What happened
On 20 November 2011, a Vans RV-7 A, registration ZU-YJK, was conducting a private flight returning to Brits Aerodrome (FABS) in the North West Province. During the approach, the pilot notified other aircraft in the area that he was suffering from blurred vision and was unable to clearly see his instruments or the runway.
Witnesses and other pilots on the radio observed the aircraft making several landing attempts on Runway 02. During these attempts, the aircraft's speed remained too high, forcing the pilot to perform multiple go-arounds. On the final attempt, the pilot reported that the runway appeared as two distinct stripes due to his visual impairment. Following the last go-around, the pilot executed a left-hand circuit—deviating from the standard right-hand procedure—which directed the aircraft toward rising terrain. The aircraft subsequently struck high ground near the Drie Berge Caravan Park, resulting in the 1 fatality and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances leading to the impact, including the pilot's recent activities and medical status. The investigation established that the pilot had performed aerobatic maneuvers the previous day and had slept in his vehicle inside his hangar the night before the flight. Additionally, there was no evidence regarding his recent nutritional intake.
Technical inspections of the aircraft revealed that ZU-YJK was not properly certified at the time of the accident, as its Authority to Fly had expired. Furthermore, investigators found that the owner had performed certain engine control inspections without the required authorization and that the annual inspection was overdue.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's impaired vision, which prevented him from maintaining necessary clearance from rising terrain.
- The pilot's medical history included hypertension and the use of Dilatrend, a medication known to potentially cause vision abnormalities or dizziness.
- The aircraft was not in a state of full regulatory compliance due to an expired Authority to Fly and overdue annual maintenance.
- The pilot's deviation from the standard right-hand circuit pattern placed the aircraft on a path toward the mountains.
Safety action
It is recommended that aviation authorities work with the flying community to emphasize the critical importance of adequate rest and nutrition before flight, as well as the potential impact of prescription medications on pilot performance.