What happened
On 10 January 2013, a Windlass Aquilla microlight, registration ZU-BFP, departed from Runway 08 at Wintervogel Private Airfield for a commercial flight. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and one passenger, began a left-hand circuit pattern. Approximately five minutes into the flight, the aircraft impacted the ground just to the left of the runway threshold. The force of the impact was severe, and a subsequent fire consumed the aircraft and the surrounding vegetation. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries due to high deceleration forces.
The investigation
Investigators from the SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and the operational history of the flight. While the engine teardown revealed no mechanical defects, investigators noted significant carbon build-up on the pistons, suggesting a potentially rich fuel mixture. The investigation also scrutinized the regulatory standing of the operator, an Aviation Training Organisation (ATO). It was established that the aircraft was not properly registered under the current owner's name and lacked a valid Authority to Fly. Furthermore, the organization was operating without a valid ATO approval certificate and was conducting commercial operations without the required Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Findings
Several critical regulatory and safety lapses were identified during the inquiry:
- The aircraft was not considered airworthy due to a lack of documented maintenance following its change of ownership.
- The operator was conducting commercial flights despite lacking the necessary regulatory approvals and a functional Quality Assurance system.
- Significant discrepancies were noted in the pilot's logbook, which had gone undetected by regulatory bodies.
- There was a lack of effective oversight by the SACAA regarding the pilot's organization and its compliance with flight training and commercial regulations.
- The aircraft's documentation, including authorization sheets, contained incorrect registration details.