Power line collision leads to water impact near Mossel Bay

Casualties unknown • Klein Brakrivier GPS Co-Ordinates E022º 08 054 S34º05 282, ZA

A private pleasure flight involving a Windlass Trike ended in a water impact after striking power lines near Klein Brakrivier.

What happened

On 13 February 2012, a Windlass Trike, registered ZU-AAO, was conducting a local pleasure flight in the vicinity of Mossel Bay. The aircraft departed from Mossel Bay airfield (FAMO) with the intention of returning to the same location. During the flight, the aircraft struck overhead power lines, which subsequently caused the aircraft to impact the water near Klein Brakriv and Brakrivier.

Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries during the sequence of events and required hospitalization following the crash. The aircraft itself suffered substantial damage.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the flight, noting that the pilot was operating under a Non-Pilot License (NPL) and had 45 hours of experience on this specific type of aircraft. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident included a surface wind of 160 degrees at 3 knots, a temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, and visibility of 10km. The investigation focused on the flight path and the presence of obstacles in the low-altitude flight corridor.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the collision with power lines while the aircraft was operating at a low altitude.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck overhead power lines during low-altitude flight, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the water.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-02-13 Windlass Trike accident near Klein Brakrivier GPS Co-Ordinates E022º 08 054 S34º05 282, ZA?

A private pleasure flight involving a Windlass Trike ended in a water impact after striking power lines near Klein Brakrivier.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-02-13 involved a Windlass Trike, registration ZU-AAO, at Klein Brakrivier GPS Co-Ordinates E022º 08 054 S34º05 282, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck overhead power lines during low-altitude flight, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the water.

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