What happened
On the afternoon of 5 October 2023, a Titan Tornado S with registration ZU-ITA departed from Ceres Airfield (FACE) in the Western Cape for a private flight to Bloemfontein. The flight was being conducted under Part 94 regulations.
Prior to departure, the pilot had been conducting engine tests on the airfield. An eyewitness observed the aircraft performing several engine runs over a two-hour period. Shortly after the aircraft became airborne and headed in a south-westerly direction, the engine began to run intermittently. The aircraft then performed a 180-degree left turn, during which the left wing dropped. The aircraft subsequently struck dense vegetation near Winterbach Boerdery Farm in a steep, nose-down attitude, landing inverted. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in one fatality.
The investigation
Investigators from the SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and the circumstances leading up to the impact. On-site inspections of the engine and propeller revealed that the engine was not producing power at the moment of impact, as evidenced by the condition of the propeller blades. The aircraft's auxiliary and fuel pump switches were found in the "OFF" position.
While the pilot had expressed concerns regarding the aircraft's condition via message the previous day, the investigation is still ongoing. The aircraft had been built by the owner using manufacturer designs and had a valid Authority to Fly at the time of the accident. The pilot was a highly experienced flyer with over 1,800 total flying hours.