What happened
On 25 July 2016, a Bat Hawk LSA micro-light aircraft, registration ZU-IBR, was conducting a surveillance flight over the Manyeleti Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga. The pilot and a passenger, a local game ranger, were patrolling the area to document wildlife. After an initial period of flight, the crew spotted animals and began performing low-level orbits to allow the passenger to capture photographs with a handheld camera.
During the second left-hand orbit, the aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level. Suddenly, the left wing dropped, causing the aircraft to enter a spin. Despite the pilot applying full power and attempting corrective control inputs, the aircraft could not be recovered at such a low altitude. The aircraft impacted the terrain in a heavy nose-down attitude, striking the ground and eventually coming to rest in a semi-inverted position. Both occupants sustained serious spinal injuries and were airlifted to a hospital in Mbombela.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and analyzed data from the onboard GPS unit. The investigation established that the aircraft was within its weight and balance limitations, though the passenger was significantly heavier than the pilot, which may have impacted controllability. The engine and flight controls were found to be fully functional at the time of impact.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's recent experience, noting that he had only completed a type-familiarization flight on the Bat Hawk LSA five days prior to the accident. Meteorological data indicated that while the flight had been delayed due to earlier rain, the prevailing winds during the accident had aerodynamic implications for the aircraft's stability during maneuvers.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to maintain flying speed, leading to a stall and subsequent spin.
- The pilot was unable to recover the aircraft due to the insufficient altitude available during the low-level photography maneuver.
- The pilot's lack of experience with this specific aircraft type and aerial photography operations contributed to the event.
- Inadequate monitoring of airspeed was a factor, exacerbated by an electronic airspeed indicator that lacked critical color-coded speed markings for quick reference.
- The presence of a southerly wind, which was not adequately monitored during maneuvering, influenced the aircraft's flight characteristics.