What happened
On 14 December 2011, a Koala Super Special aircraft, registration ZU-AKW, departed from Swartkops Aerodrome for a local private flight. The flight was carrying the pilot and a passenger, who was the intended future owner of the aircraft. During the flight, witnesses observed the aircraft at low altitudes. One observer reported hearing the engine cease to function while the aircraft was approximately 500 to 600 feet above the ground.
Further witnesses near the Swartkop shooting range noted that the aircraft was flying just above the treetops and was losing altitude rapidly while rolling to the right. The aircraft subsequently struck a vehicle traveling on the R55 road near Laudium. The impact resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the passenger. The occupants of the vehicle involved in the collision were uninjured, though the vehicle sustained substantial damage. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components. The investigation included a detailed analysis by a physical metallurgist. The engine, a Rotax UL582, showed no signs of malfunction other than damage sustained during the impact. While the propeller blades indicated a low RPM at the time of impact, the engine's internal components did not show evidence of seizure or high-temperature failure.
Investigators also examined the fuel system. Although some fuel was recovered from an aft tank, the intermediate and forward tanks could not be fully analyzed. The electrical wiring harnesses and fuel lines were extensively damaged during the crash, which complicated the assessment of the fuel delivery system. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft's authority to fly was valid at the time of the accident, as the change of ownership process was still being finalized.
Findings
- The pilot was operating with a valid commercial license and medical certificate.
- The aircraft was undergoing a change of ownership, and all regulatory requirements for the flight were met.
- The aircraft experienced an engine failure in-flight.
- While evidence suggested the possibility of fuel exhaustion, the destruction of the fuel system and electrical wiring during the impact prevented a conclusive determination.