World News
South African aviation authorities investigate low airliner flypast over Cape Town stadium
Regulators launched a compliance review after an Airlink jet flew close to the venue roof and another appeared to be struck by a firework.
The short version
- Two Airlink commercial aircraft conducted an unusually low flypast over Cape Town's DHL Stadium ahead of an international rugby match.
- The South African Civil Aviation Authority opened an investigation after flight-tracking data indicated the lead jet passed within 50 feet of the roof.
- Airlink withdrew its application for an upcoming weekend flypast, and regulators plan to publish findings and safety recommendations.
Key facts
- Two Airlink planes performed a pre-match flypast over DHL Stadium in Cape Town before a rugby game between South Africa and New Zealand.[Business Insider]
- Flightradar24 tracking data indicated that the lead aircraft, an Embraer E195, flew within approximately 50 feet of the stadium roof.[Business Insider]
- The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) announced compliance verifications and an official probe into the incident.[Business Insider]
- Airlink told The Guardian that the flight involved thorough rehearsal and received standard approvals and regulatory oversight.[Business Insider]
- Airlink canceled its request for a flypast at an upcoming match, reportedly citing poor weather conditions.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the trailing Embraer E190 sustained a direct strike from a pyrotechnic remains unconfirmed beyond video footage.[Business Insider]