Fatal Aeroprakt Crash in Northern Cape Linked to Terrain Avoidance and Engine Stoppage

Casualties unknown • Farm Bywater – Niekerkshoop area, ZA

A ferry flight involving an Aeroprakt A-22LS ended in a fatal collision with rising terrain in the Niekerkshoop area, following an unconfirmed engine failure.

What happened

On 24 August 2012, an Aeroprakt A-22LS, registration ZU-ODZ, was performing the second leg of a ferry flight. The aircraft departed from Gariep dam aerodrome with the intention of reaching Upington aerodrome. The mission was to deliver the aircraft to the African Parks Network in the Congo.

During the flight, the aircraft encountered terrain in the Niekerkshoop area of the Northern Cape. The aircraft struck a ridge at an altitude of approximately 3,803 feet above mean sea level. The impact occurred with the aircraft in a left-wing-low attitude, with the lower fuselage making initial contact with the ground. Following the collision, the wreckage slid down the slope and a post-impact fire erupted, consuming most of the airframe except for the empennage and nose wheel. The pilot was killed on impact, and the passenger, though initially alive, succumbed to severe injuries approximately 45 minutes later.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances leading to the crash. The investigation revealed that the aircraft was operating significantly above its certified maximum take-off weight, weighing 630.7 kg against a limit of 600 kg.

Technical scrutiny of the engine and propeller showed no mechanical abnormalities other than damage caused by the impact and subsequent fire. Notably, the propeller blades showed no evidence of rotation-related damage at the time of impact, suggesting the engine was not running when the aircraft hit the ground. Furthermore, investigators discovered evidence of an unauthorized auxiliary fuel system modification that had been installed shortly before the accident without official approval or proper documentation.

Findings

  • The pilot held a valid commercial license and medical certificate.
  • The aircraft was operating with an unauthorized auxiliary fuel system modification.
  • The aircraft was overweight at the time of departure from Gariep dam.
  • The engine was not running at the moment of impact.
  • The pilot was observed flying at a very low altitude of approximately 200 feet AGL shortly before the accident.
  • The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's attempt to avoid rising terrain, which resulted in a collision with the ground.
  • An undetermined engine stoppage in flight served as a contributing factor to the event.

Probable cause

The pilot collided with the ground while attempting to maneuver away from rising terrain, potentially following an unconfirmed engine failure during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-08-24 Aeroprakt A-22LS accident near Farm Bywater – Niekerkshoop area, ZA?

A ferry flight involving an Aeroprakt A-22LS ended in a fatal collision with rising terrain in the Niekerkshoop area, following an unconfirmed engine failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-08-24 involved a Aeroprakt A-22LS, registration ZU-ODZ, at Farm Bywater – Niekerkshoop area, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot collided with the ground while attempting to maneuver away from rising terrain, potentially following an unconfirmed engine failure during flight.

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