What happened
On 23 January 2018, a Savannah S aircraft, registered as ZU-TEF, departed from Robertsvale Aerodrome in the Eastern Cape for a local test flight. The aircraft, which had been recently assembled from a kit, was being operated for the purpose of flight testing. During the flight, the aircraft failed to return to its departure point and was reported missing the following day.
After a search operation coordinated by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, the wreckage was discovered on 26 January 2018, in dense vegetation on a farm near Morgan’s Bay. The impact, which involved the aircraft striking a tree with its right wing before hitting the ground, triggered a post-impact fire that destroyed the airframe. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained two fatal injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation noted that the aircraft was undergoing test flights as a newly assembled unit and was flying under a temporary registration. While the pilot held a valid national pilot license and a current medical certificate, the investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's fuel management. Although the manufacturer could not provide specific fuel receipts, it was noted that the aircraft had been used for several flights over a four-day period. The investigation also looked into the regulatory compliance of the flight, noting that the aircraft was being used to carry a passenger during a test flight, which is restricted under certain manufacturing approval terms.
Findings
- The investigation established that the pilot likely suffered a heart attack, leading to sudden incapacitation.
- The aircraft's engine stopped because of fuel exhaustion.
- In an attempt to extend the aircraft's range and reach an alternate runway, the pilot may have exceeded the wing's stalling angle to maximize lift.
- The post-impact fire was so intense that it prevented a detailed teardown of the engine to check for mechanical malfunctions.
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident were not a contributing factor to the crash.