What happened
On 22 September 2013, a private flight departed from a private airstrip at Mazeppa Bay in the Eastern Cape. The pilot was operating an Auto Gyro MT-03, registration ZU-ERT, accompanied by one passenger. The flight was intended to be a short recreational trip around the local area.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift and began to descend. In an attempt to regain airspeed, the pilot lowered the nose, but subsequently had to raise it again to avoid hitting the ground. During this maneuver, the aircraft encountered a set of power lines. The pilot successfully flew beneath the first set of cables but realized the aircraft lacked the necessary climb rate to clear a second set of power lines spanning the flight path. To avoid a collision with the cables, the pilot executed a forced landing into a nearby tree plantation. The impact caused the aircraft to flip onto its starboard side, resulting in extensive damage to the airframe, including the separation of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the aircraft, the flight conditions, and the pilot's actions. The investigation confirmed that the ZU-ERT was airworthy, with all maintenance records in compliance with regulations. The aircraft's mass and balance were within prescribed limits, and the engine was found to be producing power at the time of impact.
Investigators looked into the possibility of mechanical failure or environmental factors. While the weather was reported as clear with minimal wind, the investigation noted that the pilot's decision to continue the flight after the initial loss of lift left very little margin for error. The investigation also noted that the pilot's understanding of certain aircraft systems and operational nuances may have been insufficient to manage the sudden change in performance.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unsuccessful forced landing following a negative climb rate after takeoff.
- A significant contributing factor was the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed, which prevented the aircraft from establishing a stable climb.
- The pilot's decision to proceed with the flight after the initial descent, rather than aborting the takeoff, contributed to the inability to clear the second set of power lines.
- There were no mechanical defects or engine malfunctions identified as causes for the loss of lift.
- Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the wreckage without injury.