What happened
On the morning of 24 May 2015, a private flight departed from the Tambotie farm in the Witpoort area near Lephalale, Limpopo. The pilot, accompanied by a 16-year-old passenger, was conducting a short sightseeing mission in a Blokland Hornet Aero-Trike, registration ZU-AYA.
After taking off from a gravel road, the aircraft flew in an easterly direction toward the Ga-selka rural area. Local residents observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, approximately 100 feet above nearby houses. As the aircraft continued toward the Shongwane Seleka public road, it descended to roughly 60 feet above the ground. During this low-level flight, the aircraft struck power transmission cables that were spanning across the tar road. The impact caused the aircraft to spiral out of control and crash heavily onto the road before veering into a grassy area. The pilot sustained fatal injuries at the scene, while the passenger suffered serious injuries and required emergency medical intervention.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine to determine the cause of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was structurally intact and that the engine was producing power at the time of the impact, evidenced by fractured propeller blade tips consistent with a rotating propeller. There was no evidence of mechanical failure, and the fuel system was found to be functioning correctly with sufficient fuel on board.
Investigators also noted that the power cables, which were supported by 60-foot poles, were unmarked. While the collision severed the lines and caused a local power outage, the cables were not classified as an aeronautical hazard by regulations. The pilot held a valid National Pilot’s License and a current medical certificate, and the aircraft had undergone a recent annual inspection.
Findings
- The aircraft was in an airworthy condition with no mechanical malfunctions contributing to the crash.
- Weather conditions were clear and fine, providing good visibility.
- The aircraft was operating at an extremely low altitude, descending to approximately 60 feet AGL.
- The pilot failed to identify the power transmission cables spanning the roadway during the low-level flight.