What happened
On 27 April 2012, a solo pilot operating a Gyro MT-03 departed from a private farm strip in Fouries burg, Free State, intending to land at Tempe airfield. During the flight, the aircraft, registered as ZU-EMR, struck telephone wires located on a farm in the Dealseville area. The impact caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, leading to a subsequent ground impact. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the surrounding site to determine the sequence of events. Physical evidence on the aircraft's left-hand main landing gear, including scuff marks and yellow paint transfers, confirmed that the gear had struck the telephone wires. The telephone wire itself was found to be severed.
Technical analysis of the engine and fuel systems showed no signs of malfunction. The fuel lines and filters were clean, and no contamination was found. Data retrieved from the engine's turbo control unit (TCU) confirmed that the engine was operating at the time of the accident. Furthermore, maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had been maintained according to regulatory requirements, and the pilot held a valid recreational learner pilot license.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with telephone wires, which resulted in a loss of control and a fatal ground impact.
- The aircraft was in a serviceable condition with no mechanical defects contributing to the crash.
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident were clear with good visibility and did not contribute to the event.
- The impact loads on the cockpit were too high for the accident to be survivable.