What happened
On 27 February 2015, a Windlass Aquilla microlight, registration ZU-EHM, departed from a private dairy farm airstrip in Irene, Centurion, for a recreational flight. Shortly after lifting off, the pilot discovered that a critical airfoil tube member had disconnected from its lower attachment point and was lodged behind the instrument panel.
In an attempt to recover, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft to land back on the prepared runway. However, the loss of the component rendered the weight-shift control system ineffective. While the pilot managed to align the aircraft with the runway, the approach became unstable. The microlight struck thick grass ahead of the landing strip, causing the aircraft to nose-down and roll over onto its back. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID focused on the mechanical failure and the pilot's actions prior to the accident. Investigators examined the wreckage and found substantial damage to the nose landing gear, the pylon, and the lower boom member.
Technical analysis of the airfoil tube revealed that the bottom U-bracket had become disconnected because a nut had been lost. Although the aircraft had undergone a recent annual inspection, investigators noted that the pilot had not specifically checked the security of the bottom U-bracket bolt and nut during his pre-flight routine. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's failure to establish contact with Air Traffic Control at AFB Waterkloof prior to departure, as was his usual practice.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unsuccessful forced landing following the loss of aircraft control.
- A structural component (the airfoil tube) became dislodged during flight.
- The pilot performed an inadequate pre-flight inspection, failing to verify the security of the U-bracket hardware.
- The pilot did not follow standard operating procedures by failing to obtain necessary clearance from airspace controllers before takeoff.