History of Flight
On Sunday, 30 November 2025, two pilots aboard a Sling 2 light sport aircraft (LSA) with registration ZU-FWF were conducting a private acceptance flight from Morningstar Airfield near Philadelphia, Western Cape province, with the intention to land at the same airfield. According to the owner, a sale agreement existed between himself and a prospective buyer from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (FAPE) in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape province. Both pilots performed a detailed pre-flight inspection and found no anomalies. The aircraft had 60 litres of Motor Gasoline (Mogas) in the tanks. The pilot representing the owner occupied the left seat and was the pilot flying (PF); the pilot representing the buyer occupied the right seat and was the pilot monitoring (PM). The PF started the engine, taxied to the threshold of Runway 20, completed pre-takeoff checks, opened the throttle to full power, and commenced the takeoff run.
The owner, watching from the clubhouse, reported that the windsock indicated a strong headwind. The aircraft rotated and executed a rapid steep climb. After flying over the threshold of the opposite runway (Runway 02) at approximately 250 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot commenced a left turn. The aircraft descended in a nose-down attitude and crashed on bush-type terrain approximately 150 metres south-east of Morningstar Airfield.
Injuries to Persons
The source reports two fatalities as a result of the accident.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces.
Investigation
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority was notified and classified the occurrence as an accident (Category 1) under CAR 2011 Part 12 and ICAO Annex 13. An investigation team was appointed and an on-site investigation conducted. Notifications were sent to the States of Registry, Operator, and Design and Manufacturer. The States did not appoint an accredited representative or advisor. The information in this preliminary report is derived from the ongoing investigation; subsequent interim or final reports may contain altered information if new evidence is found.