What happened
On 22 August 2015, a Pitts Special S-1S, registration ZS-UZZ, departed from Brits Aerodrome (FABS) for a planned private flight to Rustenburg. Although the pilot's original intention was to proceed directly to the destination, members of the local aerodrome clubhouse requested a series of maneuvers following takeoff.
Under clear skies and favorable weather, the pilot began a series of aerobatic passes. After an initial takeoff from Runway 20, the pilot performed a "knife edge" maneuver at approximately 100 feet. Following a 360-degree turn, the pilot approached Runway 02 for a low-level fly-pass at roughly 50 feet. During a climb following this pass, the aircraft rolled through 180 degrees into an inverted position. The pilot was unable to regain control, and the aircraft struck a tree and a bird aviary before impacting the ground in a residential backyard approximately 800 meters from the runway. The impact, which occurred in an inverted attitude, resulted in one fatality and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and the pilot's credentials. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was well-maintained, having undergone its last annual inspection in January 2015, and was in a serviceable condition with no recorded defects prior to the flight. Meteorological data indicated that the weather was clear and did not contribute to the accident.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid private pilot license and a medical certificate, but did not hold an aerobatic rating.
- The execution of the maneuvers violated Civil Aviation Regulations (Part 91.07.30), which prohibit certain aerobatic maneuvers unless specific altitude and safety requirements are met.
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's inability to recover from an aerobatic maneuver, leading to the fatal impact with the terrain.