What happened
On 04 December 2013, an Evektor-Aerotechnable A.S. SportStar, registration ZU-DZC, departed Pietermaritzburg Airport for a proficiency check flight. The aircraft was carrying a crew of two, including an instructor and a pilot, and was performing training exercises. During the flight, the aircraft transitioned to an unmanned frequency in the Pietermaritzburg general flying area, after which contact with air traffic control was lost. Radar records from King Shaka International Airport indicated the aircraft disappeared from view at approximately 1136Z near the Richmond area.
Following the disappearance, a search was initiated but was hampered by fading light. The wreckage was discovered the following morning on a sugar cane farm approximately 18.2 nautical miles southwest of Pietermaritzburg. The impact was severe, resulting in two fatalities. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a ruptured right wing tank.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and flight records to determine the sequence of events. The investigation focused on the aircraft's flight path, which showed intermittent loss of altitude shortly before disappearing from radar. Analysis of the wreckage pattern—specifically the compression and tension forces on the wing roots and the displacement of the engine—was consistent with an aircraft involved in a flat spin prior to impact.
Investigators also reviewed the personnel's credentials and the flight objectives. The flight was intended to simulate engine failure procedures at a minimum altitude of 2000 feet. The engine was found to have been at a complete stop or at very low RPM during the impact. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the instructor did not have the specific aircraft type endorsed on his license, and the pilot's medical certificate had expired.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a flat spin from which the crew could not recover.
- The pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed, leading to a stall.
- A loss of engine power or a low-power condition contributed to the loss of airspeed.
- The instructor was not qualified for this specific aircraft type.
- The pilot was flying with an invalid medical certificate.
- The aircraft's weight and balance were within safe operating limits at the time of departure.