History of Flight
On 20 November 2011, a Vans RV-7 A, registration ZU-YJK, operated by the owner-pilot, departed Brits Aerodrome (FABS) for a private flight with the intention to land back at FABS. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions.
At approximately 0835Z, the pilot returned to Brits and reported to traffic that he was experiencing blurred vision and difficulty seeing the runway. He flew about five approaches to Runway 02, each time going around at approximately 50–60 ft above the runway due to excessive speed. During the last two approaches, he reported blurred vision and inability to see his instruments, describing the runway as two stripes.
On the final go-around, the pilot turned left for a left-hand circuit, heading toward high ground west of Runway 02. Radio contact was lost during the circuit. The aircraft was subsequently found after impacting high ground to the west of the aerodrome.
Eyewitnesses at Drie Berge Caravan Park reported seeing the aircraft fly overhead, then turn left and impact with high ground.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed by the impact.
Other Damage
Minor damage was caused to surrounding vegetation.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, wind was 040°M at 6 kt, visibility greater than 10 km, temperature 23°C, dew point 14°C, with scattered clouds at 3 000 ft.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The primary debris path was scattered within a 25 m radius on high ground at an elevation of 3 900 ft. The final impact path was on a magnetic heading of 148° during the downwind leg for Runway 02. The aircraft impacted rocky terrain and slid uphill 11 m before coming to rest against a tree. Eyewitnesses indicated the aircraft impacted in a left-wing-low attitude while turning left.
Medical and Pathological Information
The preliminary post-mortem report stated there was insufficient tissue to determine cause or mechanism of death. The remaining aorta showed some arteriosclerosis, possibly indicating pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
Survival Aspects
The cockpit damage from kinetic forces resulted in the pilot being fatally injured, making the accident non-survivable.
Additional Information
A witness conducting circuit training reported that the pilot of ZU-YJK said he was flying from Zebula Lodge to Thabazimbi when his vision blurred. The pilot stated he could see well when high but vision blurred when closer to the runway. Despite suggestions to divert to Lanseria, he chose to land at Brits.