Pair of Embraer jets carried out low pass over stadium during international rugby tournament.South African carrier Airlink has withdrawn an application for a flypast planned for the upcoming weekend after the country’s regulator initiated an investigation into a low pass over a stadium in Cape Town.
Two Airlink Embraer jets – an E195 and an E190 – carried out the stadium pass on 29 August, ahead of an international rugby fixture.
The stunt has generated controversy over the proximity of the aircraft to the stadium roof, and the timing of pyrotechnics fired into their flightpath.
Airlink had submitted three applications for flypasts relating to the rugby tournament, the first of which took place in Johannesburg on 20 August.
All were in submitted in line with regulatory provisions for non-passenger flights, says the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
But the authority adds that, following the Cape Town event, Airlink “is withdrawing” its application for the third flypast intended for the weekend of 5-6 September.
The authority says it is “looking into” the Cape Town flypast, given the publicity it attracted
It has secured downloaded information from flight-data recorders, and has commenced “compliance verifications”.
The SACAA points out that necessary processes – including a safety briefing and preparatory practice flights in a simulator – were carried out ahead of the pass, which it approved.
It says it has begun an analysis process and has requested additional information from Airlink in order to “reach an informed position”.
The SACAA insists that aviation safety and security compliance will “always remain paramount and is not negotiable”.
It will draw up a report with recommendations, to be shared with Airlink, once its assessment is complete.
Airlink had previously defended the flight over the stadium, highlighting its planning and rehearsal as well as the seniority and experience of the chosen crews.
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