Fatal Spin and Crash of FK 14B Polaris at Springs Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • In an open area north of FASI, approximately 450m from the threshold of Runway 21, ZA

A private flight ended in tragedy when an engine failure during a steep turn led to an unrecoverable spin, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

On 12 January 2020, a private flight departed from Runway 03 at Springs Aerodrome (FASI) in Gauteng Province. The aircraft, a FK 14B Polaris with registration ZU-EWD, was performing a local flight with the intention of returning to the same aerodrome. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft's engine began to sputter and eventually stopped.

In an attempt to return to the airfield, the pilot initiated a sharp right-hand turn. This maneuver involved an extremely steep bank angle, exceeding 75 degrees. This high-bank turn caused the aircraft to lose significant airspeed and altitude, leading to a wing stall. The aircraft subsequently entered a right-side spin. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts confirmed the aircraft completed three revolutions in a spin before impacting an open field approximately 450m from the threshold of Runway 21. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and both occupants were fatally injured.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled and entered an unrecoverable spin during a steep right turn following an engine stoppage caused by fuel starvation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-01-12 FK 14B POLARIS accident near In an open area north of FASI, approximately 450m from the threshold of Runway 21, ZA?

A private flight ended in tragedy when an engine failure during a steep turn led to an unrecoverable spin, resulting in two fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-01-12 involved a FK 14B POLARIS, registration ZU-EWD, at In an open area north of FASI, approximately 450m from the threshold of Runway 21, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled and entered an unrecoverable spin during a steep right turn following an engine stoppage caused by fuel starvation.

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