What happened
On 27 April 2014, a Bat Hawk amateur-built aircraft, registration ZU-IAY, was engaged in a series of touch-and-go landings at Witbank aerodrome in Mpumalanga. The flight was being conducted privately under visual meteorological conditions. During the final takeoff attempt on Runway 04, the pilot encountered a gust of wind while rotating the aircraft. This sudden disturbance caused the pilot to lose directional control, leading the aircraft to veer to the right of the runway. The aircraft subsequently struck a shrub bush and made contact with the ground.
Despite the impact, there were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger. However, the aircraft suffered substantial damage, specifically to the nose section, the wing, the propeller, and the first riser.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial license with the appropriate type rating and a current medical certificate. The aircraft, manufactured by Micro Aviation SA, was well-maintained, having undergone its last annual inspection only a few months prior to the event. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was operating at a total weight of 491 kg, which was 49 kg below its maximum certified takeoff weight.
Meteorological data verified that weather conditions were generally fine, though wind speeds were reported between 2 and 6 knots.
Findings
- The pilot was properly qualified and certified for the operation.
- The aircraft was airworthy and possessed a valid authority to fly.
- The aircraft was within its maximum certified takeoff weight limits.
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff rotation, which prevented the pilot from maintaining the runway centerline.