What happened
On 6 June 2019, a student paraglider pilot was conducting a training flight at the Bulwer 1000 site in KwaZulu-Natal to fulfill requirements for a basic license. The flight, part of a Part 141 training program, proceeded normally under radio instruction from the takeoff instructor until the landing phase.
As the pilot prepared for landing, he began performing S-turns. During a commanded right-hand turn, the APCO Aviation Fiesta entered a negative spin, which subsequently transitioned into a spiral dive. Although the landing instructor provided radio commands to recover the wing, the pilot was unable to arrest the descent due to insufficient altitude. The aircraft impacted a slope near the Bulker reservoir, resulting in one fatality.
The investigation
An investigation conducted by the SACAA AIID, with assistance from the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA), utilized helmet-mounted camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and equipment inspections to reconstruct the event.
The investigation examined the pilot's flight technique, the condition of the APCO Aviation Fiesta, and the impact of external distractions. Analysis of the video footage showed that the pilot was maintaining a vertical body position to stabilize a helmet-mounted camera, which limited his ability to use effective weight-shift during maneuvers. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot frequently held onto the risers and had a brake line wrapped around his hand, which hindered responsive control inputs.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was excessive brake input during the approach turn, which induced a negative spin.
- The transition from a negative spin into a spiral dive left the pilot with insufficient height to execute a recovery.
- The pilot's attention was diverted by the use of a helmet-mounted camera intended for filming the flight.
- Inadequate use of weight-shifting and a failure to react promptly to instructor commands contributed to the loss of control.
- The pilot's tendency to grip the risers restricted the necessary movement of the brake lines.
Safety action
- It is recommended that flight operators prohibit the mounting of cameras on helmets during initial ab initio training to prevent pilot distraction.
- Instructors should place greater emphasis on teaching effective weight-shifting techniques during turns to prevent stalls and spins.