Fatal Stall During Take-off at The Coves Private Airstrip

Casualties unknown • Near The Coves private airstrip, ZA

A single-engine Van’s RV-6A crashed near The Coves private airstrip in Gauteng, resulting in the death of the pilot due to a low-altitude stall.

What happened

On 29 November 2013, a Van’s RV-6A, registration ZU-FJA, departed from Runway 36 at The Coves private airstrip in Gauteng Province. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was performing a private VFR flight intended for Lichtenberg Airfield.

Witnesses observing the departure from a nearby hangar noted that the aircraft appeared slow during its initial climb. Shortly after lifting off, the aircraft performed a slight right turn followed by a sharp leftward movement. The aircraft then entered a steep dive and impacted the ground on an adjacent farm. The impact was severe, causing the engine to be dislodged from its mounts and striking the cockpit canopy. The pilot sustained fatal injuries at the scene.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's performance capabilities. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's weight and balance were within allowable limits for the flight. An inspection of the Lycoming engine revealed no mechanical failures or pre-existing conditions that would have prevented normal operation.

Investigators also analyzed the environmental conditions, noting that while the temperature of 26°C might not have seemed extreme, the combination of altitude and temperature resulted in a significant density altitude of 5,977 feet. This was substantially higher than the airport's physical elevation of 3,885 feet.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft entering a stall at low altitude from which recovery was impossible.
  • The pilot increased the angle of attack during the initial climb, which caused the airspeed to decay from 72 knots to 66 knots.
  • High-density altitude acted as a significant contributing factor, degrading engine horsepower, propeller efficiency, and overall climb performance.
  • The Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for the aircraft lacked a pressure altitude chart and provided no specific guidance regarding stall behavior or low-speed handling.
  • The aircraft's authority to fly had expired prior to the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an unrecoverable stall at a low altitude because the pilot increased the angle of attack during the climb, a situation exacerbated by high-density altitude conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-11-29 Van’s RV-6A accident near Near The Coves private airstrip, ZA?

A single-engine Van’s RV-6A crashed near The Coves private airstrip in Gauteng, resulting in the death of the pilot due to a low-altitude stall.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-11-29 involved a Van’s RV-6A, registration ZU-FJA, at Near The Coves private airstrip, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an unrecoverable stall at a low altitude because the pilot increased the angle of attack during the climb, a situation exacerbated by high-density altitude conditions.

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