South African aviation authorities are scrutinizing a low-altitude flyover performed by two Airlink passenger jets before a rugby match at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium due to safety concerns. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) announced on Wednesday that it has acquired flight data recordings and requested additional information from Airlink for assessment. A comprehensive report with recommendations will be issued upon completion of the review.
Following the incident, Airlink has decided to cancel plans for another flyover at the upcoming rugby match in Soweto. The SACAA, responsible for overseeing aviation safety and security, confirmed this development.
During the flyover preceding the Springboks-All Blacks rugby match on August 29, approximately 56,000 spectators cheered as the aircraft passed low over the stadium. However, video footage shared online by onlookers inside and around the stadium sparked a debate regarding safety risks.
Deandra Peters, a 25-year-old pilot and aviation enthusiast experiencing her first live rugby game, described the electrifying atmosphere inside the stadium as incomparable to what videos could capture. She expressed the intense energy and patriotism among Springbok supporters during the flyover as a uniquely South African moment.
Airlink responded by emphasizing that the flyover was meticulously planned and rehearsed, with safety being the top priority at all stages. Each aircraft had three senior captains on board, boasting a combined flight experience exceeding 75,000 hours.
The SACAA disclosed that it would analyze flight data to determine if any safety issues necessitated further review. Airlink’s CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, acknowledged the excitement generated by the flyover while addressing the subsequent questions and concerns raised.
Airlink previously submitted the airplanes’ black box data to the civil aviation authority for evaluation. The airline made applications for three flyovers, with the recent one in Cape Town being the second after the first one in Johannesburg on August 22. Both flyovers were approved in compliance with special air event regulations.
One of the flyover planes has been pictured above the stadium. Airlink has also retracted its application for a flyover scheduled for September 5 over Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium due to unfavorable weather conditions. This decision was confirmed by SACAA.
South African rugby has a longstanding tradition of stadium flybys during significant matches, tracing back to the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in Johannesburg. Last Saturday’s flyover, which garnered international attention, was particularly noteworthy for its low altitude and dramatic nature. Some aviation experts later questioned whether the aircraft had allowed enough margin for error during the maneuver.