What happened
On the morning of 26 November 2023, a Bat Hawk R aircraft, registered ZU-XCO, was conducting a private flight from Aviator’s Paradise in the North West province toward Grassland Airfield in Gauteng. The flight was part of a planned formation flight for a breakfast meeting.
As the aircraft approached the airfield, an eyewitness observed the plane flying at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level. While performing a steep left turn—appearing to aim for a south-east landing on the runway—the aircraft's left wing dipped, and the plane suddenly nose-dived into the ground. The impact occurred roughly 500 metres from the airfield. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed witnesses at the scene. The investigation established that the aircraft was a relatively new model with approximately 145 airframe hours and possessed a valid Authority to Fly. The engine was found to be running immediately after the impact, though the propeller blades were missing.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that while the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and medical certificate, the specific aircraft type was not endorsed on the licence. The investigation into the exact mechanics of the loss of control is ongoing.