Fatal Microlight Crash Near Ballito Airfield Under Investigation

Casualties unknown • Skyland sugarcane farm, north-east of Ballito Airfield, ZA

A training flight involving a Windlass Aquilla Trike ended in a fatal impact on a sugarcane farm, leaving investigators unable to determine the exact cause of the loss of control.

What happened

On the morning of 17 March 2021, a Windlass Aquilla Trike with registration ZU-CP_J departed from Runway 08 at Ballito Airfield in KwaZulu-Natal for an introductory flight. The flight was being conducted under visual flight rules as part of a training program. While the aircraft's first flight of the day had been completed without incident, the second flight, carrying the pilot and a passenger, failed to return to the airfield as scheduled.

A search operation led by the training organization located the wreckage on the Skyland sugarcane farm, situated approximately 624 meters northeast of the airfield. The impact was severe, resulting in two fatalities. The aircraft was completely destroyed upon hitting the ground.

The investigation

Investigators from the SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and the flight circumstances to identify any mechanical or environmental failures. Post-impact analysis of the engine and components showed no evidence of malfunction prior to the crash. Notably, the condition of the propeller blades suggested the engine was operating at maximum power at the moment of impact. The fuel system was also found to be functional, with approximately 35 litres of 95 Octane Unleaded fuel remaining in the carburettor bowls.

The investigation also reviewed various hypotheses, including carburettor icing, fatigue, and the medical status of the occupants. While it was noted that the passenger had a pre-existing cardiovascular condition, investigators could not definitively link this to the flight's outcome. Furthermore, the investigation ruled out weather-related issues, as conditions were clear with high visibility.

Findings

  • The aircraft was maintained according to the approved schedule, with a recent 25-hour check completed shortly before the accident.
  • The engine was producing sufficient power at the time of the accident.
  • The pilot held a valid National Pilot Licence and a Class 4 medical certificate.
  • The pilot lost control of the aircraft, leading to a steep, nose-down impact with the ground.
  • The specific reason for the loss of control remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the microlight during the flight, causing the aircraft to strike the ground in a steep nose-down attitude; the underlying reason for this loss of control could not be established.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-03-17 Windlass Aquilla Trike accident near Skyland sugarcane farm, north-east of Ballito Airfield, ZA?

A training flight involving a Windlass Aquilla Trike ended in a fatal impact on a sugarcane farm, leaving investigators unable to determine the exact cause of the loss of control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-03-17 involved a Windlass Aquilla Trike, registration ZU-CPJ, at Skyland sugarcane farm, north-east of Ballito Airfield, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the microlight during the flight, causing the aircraft to strike the ground in a steep nose-down attitude; the underlying reason for this loss of control could not be established.

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