What happened
On 2 February 2013, a Jabiru SPT aircraft, registration ZU-CRV, departed Witbank airfield (FAWI) for a local scenic flight. After performing several maneuvers over the nearby Witbank Dam, the pilot turned the aircraft in a westerly direction to return to the airfield. During this flight, the aircraft struck Eskom power lines adjacent to the N4 highway, approximately 12km from the departure point. The impact caused the right wing to separate from the fuselage, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft struck the ground at high speed and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including severe head and spinal trauma, and was placed in a medically induced coma.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. Technical analysis of the engine revealed that it was producing power at the time of impact, and the fuel was found to be uncontaminated. Evidence of arcing on the trailing edge of the right wing suggested the aircraft was in a right-hand turn when it hit the lines. Investigators also noted that the pilot's forward visibility may have been compromised by sun glare, as the aircraft was flying toward the sunset. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot did not use the available shoulder harness, which contributed to the severity of the head injuries when the pilot struck the instrument panel during the crash.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with power lines during low-level flight.
- The pilot failed to adhere to minimum altitude regulations regarding safe operating heights.
- The pilot was using prescribed medication that was incompatible with flying duties and had not disclosed this to medical examiners.
- The pilot's failure to utilize the shoulder harness significantly increased the severity of the injuries sustained.
- There was no evidence of mechanical failure or engine malfunction contributing to the crash.