What happened
On the afternoon of 04 September 2015, a Magni Gyrocopter M16, registration ZU-DHJ, departed Patensie Airfield to perform insecticide spraying over an orchard located approximately 6nm away. After completing the spraying mission, the pilot deviated from the intended flight path and transitioned toward rising terrain. During this low-level flight, the aircraft's main rotor blades struck trees, causing the pilot to lose control. The gyrocopter subsequently impacted the ground and was destroyed by a post-impact fire. Although the pilot managed to evacuate the burning wreckage, they sustained severe burns and died in a local hospital the following morning.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the weather conditions at the time of the accident were clear, with good visibility and light winds, ruling out meteorological factors as a cause. Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had been properly maintained, with its last annual inspection completed in May 2015. The investigation also noted that the pilot held a valid National Pilot License and was properly rated for the aircraft type, with approximately 28.4 hours of experience on this specific model.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the main rotor blades making contact with trees, which led to a loss of control and the subsequent ground impact.
- The pilot was conducting an agricultural operation involving low-level flight.
- The aircraft was destroyed by a fuel-fed fire following the impact.
- The pilot's death was attributed to complications from extensive burns and inhalation injuries.