Airlink hands over black-box data after low flypast over DHL Stadium

Airlink has offered black-box data from two aircraft involved in a low flypast over DHL Stadium, the airline told IOL as global attention and safety concerns followed footage of the pass ahead of the Springboks–All Blacks Test.

Airline volunteers flight data to regulator

According to IOL, Airlink has offered the aviation regulator black-box data from the two aircraft that flew low over DHL Stadium moments before Saturday’s Springbok Test against the All Blacks. In a statement issued to IOL, spokesperson Linden Birns said:

“Airlink, on its own initiative, has volunteered these data sets to the SACAA so it can independently review and verify that the flypast was in accordance with the flight authorisation,”

Birns also told IOL the airline would make no further comment until the regulator had reviewed the data. “While Airlink appreciates the interest and concern, it will refrain from making any further comments while the SACAA reviews the flight data,” he said, according to IOL.

Aircraft, approvals and flight details

According to IOL, the two aircraft were Embraer jets: the green E190 registered ZS-YAE and the black E195 registered ZS-YDE. The pair crossed the stadium in formation moments before kick-off in the second Test.

Airlink told IOL that the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services gave guidance, approval and support for the flight. The airline said the flypast had been rehearsed because it had to be flown at low altitude and at about 150 knots.

Reactions and expert comment

According to IOL, aviation analyst Guy Leitch said the aircraft had been flown lower than necessary, but that the flypast was not reckless.

“They flew an approved sequence, they flew it within limits, and it was not fundamentally dangerous,”

Leitch told IOL. He added:

“There was an adequate safety margin.”

Footage of the pass ran widely on international news sites and social media, drawing both criticism and defence of the pilots, according to IOL.

Regulator response

The SA Civil Aviation Authority told IOL it would release a statement in due course, according to the report.

What happens next: IOL reports that the SACAA will review the volunteered flight data to independently verify whether the flypast complied with the flight authorisation.