What happened
On the afternoon of 1 December 2024, a solo flight in a Cubby aircraft, registration ZU-DWY, resulted in a significant accident near Highway Airfield in the Western Cape. The flight was the second of the day for the pilot; the first leg had been a short scenic flight carrying a passenger who disembarked after becoming airsick.
Following the passenger's departure, the pilot took off again from Runway 31. An eyewitness, who had been on the earlier flight, observed the aircraft performing a series of turns to position itself for a landing on Runway 13. During a right-hand turn, the aircraft suddenly transitioned into a vertical nose-down attitude and struck the ground at Forest View Farm, approximately 0.95 nautical miles from the airfield. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, which came to rest in a vertical position.
The investigation
An investigator from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) AIID was dispatched to the site to examine the wreckage and circumstances. The investigation confirmed that the pilot, who held a valid National Pilot Licence and medical certificate, sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization.
Technical examinations revealed that the aircraft's engine had been sent to an authorized person for further inspection. Records indicated that the aircraft had undergone a 50-hour inspection in late September 2024, and its maintenance was up to date. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders.