What happened
On 12 October 2013, an Extra 300L aircraft, registration ZS-BUL, was performing an aerobatic display at the Secunda Aerodrome (FASC) in Mpumalanga. The pilot, a highly decorated international aerobatic competitor, had adjusted the flight schedule to perform earlier due to prevailing wind conditions.
During the sequence, the aircraft performed a complex gyroscopic tumbling maneuver known as a 'Ruade.' Following this maneuver, the aircraft entered a series of unstable attitudes, eventually transitioning into an inverted spin. The pilot transmitted a Mayday call via the aerobatic box radio frequency while the aircraft was in the spin. Although the pilot successfully recovered the aircraft from the inverted spin, the maneuver was completed at such a low altitude that the aircraft could not be leveled in time. The Extra 300L struck the ground with its right wing, hit an embankment, and collided with a boundary fence. A post-impact fire erupted, and although emergency services responded quickly, the pilot sustained 1 fatality due to severe burn injuries sustained after the crash.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators analyzed high-definition video footage, photographs, and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the flight path. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's engine and flight controls were fully operational prior to the impact. A teardown inspection of the engine revealed no abnormalities, and a manufacturer test ruled out the possibility of the pilot's foot becoming lodged in the rudder pedals.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's medical history and found no evidence of incapacitation during the flight. The investigation noted that the pilot had not submitted a specific flight sequence to the safety officer prior to departure. Additionally, while the aerodrome rescue and firefighting personnel arrived promptly, it was noted that the external fire service had not received specific training regarding aircraft-specific emergency procedures, such as locating batteries or opening canopies.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was insufficient height available to safely recover the aircraft following the exit from an inverted spin.
- High density altitude (approximately 7,972 ft) acted as a contributing factor to the flight dynamics.
- The pilot was not wearing fire-resistant clothing, which contributed to the severity of the injuries following the post-impact fire.
- The aircraft was airworthy and the pilot was properly licensed and qualified for the aerobatic display.
Safety action
Following the inquiry, several recommendations were made to improve air show safety protocols, including:
- Requiring all participating pilots to submit their flight sequences to the safety officer in advance to allow for better emergency monitoring.
- Mandating the use of fire-resistant flight suits for all aerobatic pilots.
- Ensuring that external fire and rescue services receive specific briefings on aircraft emergency features and access points.
- Implementing simulated emergency response drills prior to the commencement of air shows.