South Africa’s aviation regulator has launched a review into a dramatically low flypast by two Airlink passenger jets over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium, following concerns about the safety of the maneuver.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) said it has obtained the aircraft’s flight-data recordings and requested additional information from Airlink as part of its assessment. The authority said it will issue a full report with recommendations once the review is completed.
The flypast took place on August 29, shortly before a rugby Test match between South Africa and New Zealand at DHL Stadium. The spectacle thrilled an estimated 56,000 spectators but generated widespread debate after videos showed the aircraft passing extremely close to the stadium roof.
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that the lead Embraer jet passed approximately 41 to 46 feet (12.5 to 14 meters) above the stadium roof, according to reports. The unusually low clearance prompted aviation experts to question whether the maneuver left sufficient room for pilots to respond to unexpected problems such as turbulence or a bird strike.
Airlink has defended the flypast, saying it was carefully planned and rehearsed and conducted with guidance and approval from South African aviation authorities and Air Traffic Navigation Services. The airline said the aircraft were flown by highly experienced crews and were not carrying passengers.
The airline also said flight data from the aircraft indicated that the jets operated within the approved altitude and speed limits for the display. The SACAA’s review will determine whether the operation complied with applicable aviation safety requirements and whether any additional measures are necessary.
The controversy has already affected plans for another flypast. Airlink has withdrawn its application for a planned flyover at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, with the aviation authority citing the ongoing review and safety considerations.
Flypasts have a long association with major South African rugby events. The latest display was reminiscent of the famous Boeing 747 flyover ahead of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand.
However, aviation specialists say the latest maneuver deserves careful scrutiny because passenger jets are not designed primarily for extremely low-level display flying, and even a small unexpected change in conditions can significantly reduce the available safety margin.
The SACAA’s investigation is expected to establish exactly how the aircraft were operated and whether the necessary safety procedures were followed.
Until the regulator completes its assessment, the incident remains a safety review rather than a confirmed breach of aviation regulations.
Swifteradio.com
