History of Flight
On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, a Sling 2 aircraft with registration ZU-PBC departed from Secunda Aerodrome (FASC) in Mpumalanga province on a planned navigational flight to Margate Aerodrome (FAMG) in KwaZulu-Natal province. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day and under the provisions of Part 94 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The operation was a hire-and-fly arrangement with the operator Aviation Junction (PTY) Ltd.
The pilot had planned the flight earlier that week but postponed it due to unfavourable weather along the route. The pilot monitored meteorological updates using an electronic weather service to find a suitable weather window. On 14 October 2025, the pilot underwent aircraft differences training and was signed off with the aircraft type endorsed in his logbook.
At approximately 0900Z on the day of the accident, the pilot performed a pre-flight inspection of the aircraft at FASC and found no anomalies. The aircraft was deemed airworthy. Later, the pilot departed for FAMG in VMC, followed by another aircraft from the same ATO, ZU-PBD, also en route to Margate. The pilot's planned route included a return sector from FAMG to FASC in the company of either a chief flight instructor or an accountable manager from the ATO, both of whom were present at FAMG.
Communication and Search
At approximately 1120Z, a scheduled airline pilot monitoring frequency 129.1 MHz intercepted a MAYDAY transmission. The airline pilot relayed the call to an air traffic control officer. The MAYDAY was reported to have originated from either the ZU-PBC or ZU-PBD pilot. The ATCO immediately notified the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), which activated search and rescue operations in accordance with standard procedures.
At approximately 1652Z, SAR teams located the wreckage of ZU-PBC on a private farm in Nottingham, KwaZulu-Natal. The aircraft was destroyed on impact.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation
The AIID was notified and classified the occurrence as a Category 1 accident. An investigator-in-charge was appointed, and notification was sent to the State of Registry, Operator, Design and Manufacturer. The investigation is ongoing. This preliminary report is derived from initial information; final report may contain altered findings.