A spectacular flypast can boost crowds for a major sporting event, but an incident on Saturday has sparked debate about safety risks.
Before a rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand, two planes from the South African airline Airlink flew alarmingly close Cape Town‘s DHL Stadium.
The lead aircraft, a Embraer E195came within 15 meters of the roof, according to data from Flightradar24. Video footage of the incident appeared to show the other, an E190, being struck by fireworks.
SACAA OPENS INVESTIGATION INTO VIRAL AIRLINK LOW FLYPAST ABOVE CAPE TOWN’S DHL STADIUM
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has confirmed it is conducting compliance checks for Saturday’s dramatic Airlink flight pass ahead of the Springboks v All Blacks match… pic.twitter.com/PuEu1Fg7ij
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Some aviation enthusiasts praised the pilots’ bold display and precision, such as South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.
“It’s a well-known fact that we have the best pilots in the world, that was spectacular. Next time I will ask the pilots to land on the field,” he joked on X.
However, many others say it was reckless, endangering the 55,000 fans who came to watch the rivalry between the world’s two best rugby teams.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) said on Wednesday it was investigating the incident, “following several discussions in the media.”
Airlink has also withdrawn its application for a new flypast for a game next weekend, according to the regulator. The BBC reported that Airlink cited a bad weather forecast.
Another unusually low flight occurred in Texas in June, when a Boeing 777 freighter came within feet of clamping his wing to the airport sidewalk while bystanders stood meters away. The FAA is investigating.
Flypasts require special approval from regulators, and the process typically includes a practice flight in a simulator and a safety briefing.
Airlink did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
This piece is from Fly Africa, run by Aviator extra ordinary, Duncan Gillespie.
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It told The Guardian that “the flight required careful planning and rehearsal”, and said aviation authorities had “provided valuable guidance, approval and support to ensure a safe flight.”
While sporting events in the US typically involve military aircraft and fighter jets, rugby matches often involve commercial airlines.
Famous displays include a Boeing 747 flying over the 1995 World Cup final in Johannesburg, and an Emirates Airbus A380 in 2024.
However, Saturday’s flypast was particularly low and could lead to stricter rules.
The SACAA plans a full report with recommendations for Airlink once it has reviewed the incident.
