What happened
On 8 February 2026, a Windlass Aquilla microlight, registered ZU-BBN, was preparing for a scheduled scenic flight from Ballito Aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal. The flight was intended to operate under visual meteorological conditions as a commercial operation.
While the aircraft was still parked, the pilot assisted a passenger into the rear seat and provided a safety briefing. However, during the engine start sequence, the aircraft unexpectedly accelerated forward. The pilot attempted to intervene by applying the brakes and attempting to switch off the magnetos, but the movement could not be halted. The aircraft subsequently collided with another stationary microlight, registered ZU-BUI, which was parked directly in the path of ZU-BBN.
While there were no injuries to the two occupants, the collision resulted in substantial damage to ZU-BBN, including a broken propeller blade and structural damage to the keel tube and drag link. The parked aircraft, ZU-BUI, sustained cosmetic damage.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the aircraft was equipped with dual flight controls, allowing for a throttle lever in the rear seat. The investigation confirmed that the passenger had received the standard safety briefing but had failed to follow the instruction regarding the rear throttle control, instead resting their foot on the lever.
Investigators also noted that the aircraft's parking position was a factor, as ZU-BBN was positioned facing ZU-BUI, leaving insufficient clearance between the two aircraft. The pilot's license and medical certification were found to be valid at the time of the incident.