What happened
On the morning of 25 February 2026, an Air Tractor AT502-A, registered ZS-XAP, was conducting agricultural spraying operations in the Free State province. The aircraft, operated by Natal Aerial Spray, had departed from Hulpmekaar Farm to apply insecticide to crops at Qwaggavlakte Farm, located approximately 10 nautical miles west of Wesselsbron.
During the mission, the aircraft was observed by motorists on the R34 road performing low-level spray runs over maize fields. According to eyewitness accounts, the aircraft climbed and initiated a right-hand turn, at which point it entered a spin. The aircraft completed several rotations before descending into a maize field at Qwaggavlakte Farm. The impact was severe, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft and the fatal injury of the pilot.
The investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) launched an investigation into the crash. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that a mandatory periodic inspection had been completed in February 2026. The pilot, who held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and possessed over 6,200 flying hours, was found to have a valid Class 1 medical certificate.
Physical examination of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft was destroyed by high-impact forces. The leading edges of the wings were flattened, the cockpit was heavily damaged, and only two of the four propeller blades remained intact. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT) functioned correctly, broadcasting a distress signal following the impact.