What happened
On the afternoon of 2 January 2023, a Sling 4 TSi with registration ZU-PPA departed from Tedderfield Aerodrome for a private flight. While flying over Bass Lake near Henley-on-Klip, the aircraft was observed descending toward the water at a high angle of attack with the engine at maximum RPM. The lower rear fuselage and main wheels made initial contact with the water, and the aircraft struck the surface a second time approximately 100 meters later.
In an attempt to avoid a nearby mountainous ridge, the pilot pitched the aircraft into a vertical climb, reaching an altitude of roughly 100 feet. During this maneuver, the right wing dropped, causing the aircraft to impact the water in a nose-down attitude. The wreckage subsequently sank to a depth of approximately 15 meters. The two fatalities included the pilot and a passenger.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and recovered the aircraft using divers and a crane. Physical evidence, including severed propeller blades, indicated that the engine was producing power at the moment of impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate. Maintenance records showed the aircraft had undergone a scheduled inspection in September 2022, with 52 flight hours accumulated since that service.
Findings
- The pilot operated the aircraft in a manner that endangered the safety of the occupants and people on the ground.
- The aircraft was flown at a height of less than 500 feet over water, violating established minimum height regulations.
- The aircraft's descent into the quarry area created a hazard for individuals engaged in water sports and fishing at the lake.
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident were clear and favorable.