What happened
On 26 April 2014, a Raptor microlight aircraft, registration ZU-CER, was conducting a private flight from Ingwe Aerodrome to Aeroden Aerodrome. The flight was operating under visual meteorological conditions with clear skies and no wind.
While on final approach to Runway 18, the pilot was positioned second in the landing sequence. At an altitude of approximately 20 feet above the ground, the aircraft entered the propeller wash generated by the preceding microlight. This encounter caused the left wing to drop, drifting the aircraft toward the left side of the runway. Although the pilot immediately applied full power and attempted to level the wings, the aircraft was too low to avoid a collision with the aerodrome's perimeter wire fence. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft and damage to the fence, though the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid National Pilot’s License and a current medical certificate. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, having undergone its annual inspection earlier that year, and was operating well below its maximum certified weight.
Findings
- The pilot was properly certified and qualified for the operation.
- The aircraft was in a serviceable condition with a valid authority to fly.
- The primary cause of the incident was an error in judgment regarding landing separation, which led the pilot to fly into the wake turbulence of the preceding aircraft.