The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has released the preliminary report into the fatal accident involving the Aermacchi MB-326 Impala MK1, registration ZU-IMP, during the West Coast Saldanha Airshow held on 22 March 2025 at Saldanha/Vredenburg Airport (FASD).
During an aerobatic manoeuvre—a slow aileron roll performed with the landing gear and flaps extended—the aircraft pitched nose-down at the peak of the manoeuvre. Witnesses reported hearing the engine spool down before the aircraft descended rapidly, impacting the ground with the right wing first. A post-impact fire ensued, destroying the aircraft. Tragically, the pilot, a highly experienced aviator holding both a CPL (Aeroplane) and ATPL (Helicopter), did not survive.
The investigation highlights that while the pilot had a temporary display validation for a flat display sequence, the manoeuvres performed included aerobatic elements for which full display authorisation had not been issued by the SACAA. Weather conditions were favourable and not considered a contributing factor.
The aircraft, maintained by an approved AMO, had recently undergone inspection and was operating within certified weight limits. No ejection occurred prior to impact, with the aircraft experiencing extremely high G-forces during the crash sequence.
The preliminary report list a number of safety recommendations, including stricter enforcement of display authorisation compliance at airshows and enhanced regulatory oversight of participating pilots and event organisers. Specifically- “It is recommended that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) reviews and update the Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs) 19-1 that are applicable to special events”.
The investigation remains ongoing. Download the report here: https://caasanwebsitestorage.blob.core.windows.net/latestaccidentreports/Preliminary%20Report%20-%20ZU-IMP.pdf
