What happened
On 21 January 2021, an Air Tractor AT-402B with registration ZS-TCJ was performing aerial application services at Farm Sardinia in the Bultfontein District, Free State. The aircraft had recently undergone a mandatory periodic inspection at New Tempe Aerodrome earlier that day. Following the maintenance, the pilot returned to the farm to continue a scheduled crop-spraying mission.
During the operation, the pilot successfully completed several spray runs, loading chemical solutions as required. However, the aircraft failed to return to its base at Hoopstad as scheduled. After the aircraft was noted to be missing, a search and rescue mission was initiated by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre. The wreckage was discovered the following morning in an inverted position within a maize field. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight history, maintenance records, and the pilot's qualifications. The investigation established that while the pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence, the specific agricultural (AG) rating and the aircraft type endorsement were still in the process of being finalized with the regulator.
Investigators also looked into the operational oversight of the training and conversion process. Evidence suggested that some training and flight duties were performed without the required dual supervision or completed endorsements. Additionally, the investigation noted that a previous bird strike incident involving the aircraft had not been formally reported to the authorities by the owner or the maintenance organization.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot executed a high-nose turn, which triggered an impending stall.
- The aircraft's nose dropped during the maneuver, and subsequent pilot inputs exacerbated the instability.
- The aircraft entered a roll and struck the ground in an inverted attitude at a high angle of impact.
- The pilot utilized an incorrect recovery technique for the induced side slip, which contributed to the loss of control.
- The pilot's lack of specific knowledge regarding the aircraft's limitations during the maneuver was a contributing factor.
- Weather conditions were clear and did not contribute to the crash.
Safety action
- It is recommended that the Director of Civil Aviation conduct an audit regarding the endorsement and issuance of licenses and ratings for agricultural pilots.
- Aviation operators must implement stricter verification of pilot qualifications prior to employment.