What happened
On 18 January 2012, a pilot conducting a local flight near Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, was involved in a mid-air collision with high-tension power lines. The flight, operating a Windlass Aquilla with registration ZU-BGD, began from Uitenhage aerodrome. Approximately 10 minutes after departure, the pilot navigated underneath power lines spanning a valley at an altitude of roughly 15m. Following this, the pilot performed a series of turns, passing under the same conductors a second time. During a third attempt to fly through the area, the aircraft climbed slightly but struck the high-tension lines. The impact caused the aircraft to nose-dive into the terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot sustained minor injuries during the crash, which was made survivable by the presence of thick shrubs at the impact site.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical state, and environmental conditions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly maintained according to manufacturer standards and that its weight and balance were within legal limits. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or system malfunction prior to the impact. The pilot held a valid microlight private license and a current medical certificate. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions, characterized by clear skies (CAVOK), a temperature of 20°C, and light winds of less than 5 knots. Additionally, astronomical data revealed that the sun was positioned 5 degrees below the horizon, placing the sun's position 25.5 degrees to the left of the pilot's westerly heading.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with high-tension conductors.
- The pilot's flight path suggests a deliberate attempt to fly beneath the power lines, which may have led to a misjudgment of altitude during the final pass.
- A failure to maintain an effective lookout for obstructions contributed to the collision.
- The pilot was flying into the direction of the setting sun, which may have caused visual impairment or glare, hindering the ability to observe the lines.