An Airlink Embraer jet flew an estimated 41 to 46 feet (12.5 to 14 metres) above the roof of Cape Town’s DHL Stadium during a pre-match formation flypast, according to Flightradar24 data, as South Africa’s aviation regulator reviews the manoeuvre.The two Airlink jets flew over the stadium on Saturday, shortly before South Africa faced New Zealand in the second Test of their four-match rugby series. Footage of the flypast quickly spread online, with some angles making the lead aircraft appear to pass extremely close to the stadium roof as pyrotechnics were set off nearby.Airlink said the flypast had been planned and rehearsed with “guidance, approval and support” from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services.The airline has also voluntarily provided flight data from both aircraft to SACAA for an independent assessment of whether the manoeuvre complied with its authorised parameters.
Tracking data puts clearance below 50 feet
Flightradar24 initially showed a 50-foot altitude reading, but clarified that this was based on pressure altitude rather than the aircraft’s actual clearance above the stadium.After adjusting for atmospheric pressure in Cape Town, the tracking service estimated that the lead aircraft was flying at 205 to 210 feet above mean sea level. With the stadium estimated to stand about 164 feet high, the aircraft’s clearance was calculated at approximately 41 to 46 feet.Flightradar24 cautioned that the figure was an estimate and carried a margin of error.Videos of the flypast generated concern on social media, with some users questioning the aircraft’s altitude and the timing of the stadium’s pyrotechnics.“It looks like the airplanes almost hit the top of Cape Town stadium,” one user wrote.Another said, “That was a bit dicey if you ask me. Shoo-wee,” while a third described the manoeuvre as potentially catastrophic.Aviation experts said camera perspective could have contributed to the appearance of the aircraft flying extremely close to the roof. Changes in the aircraft’s pitch and viewing angles can also affect how close a flypast appears.
Airlink defends approved flypast
Airlink said the operation had involved extensive planning and rehearsal because the aircraft were flying at low altitude and around 150 knots, or about 280 kmph.According to the airline, onboard records indicated that both aircraft remained within the speed and altitude parameters approved for the manoeuvre. SACAA has yet to independently confirm the claim.Airlink said six senior captains were assigned to the operation, with three crew members aboard each aircraft covering command, co-pilot and safety and technical duties.The formation featured a green Embraer E190 and a black Embraer E195, representing the colours of the Springboks and All Blacks. The same aircraft had performed a formation flypast over Johannesburg’s Ellis Park a week earlier before the opening Test.South African aviation analyst Guy Leitch said the jets had flown lower than necessary but rejected suggestions that the operation was reckless.“They flew an approved sequence, they flew it within limits, and it was not fundamentally dangerous,” he said.However, other aviation experts questioned whether the relatively narrow clearance was appropriate over a crowded stadium. Aviation expert Peter Harbison told 9 News Sydney that the flypast should not have been permitted, according to IOL.
Flypast follows famous 1995 precedent
Stadium flypasts have a long association with South African rugby. One of the most famous examples took place before the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, when a South African Airways Boeing 747 flew over Ellis Park in Johannesburg before South Africa played New Zealand.Saturday’s Test saw South Africa beat New Zealand 33-26, levelling the four-match series at 1-1 in front of 56,589 spectators.The teams will meet again in Johannesburg on September 5. Another Airlink flypast is planned for the third Test at FNB Stadium in Soweto, subject to conditions and final approvals.SACAA is now reviewing the aircraft data to determine whether the Cape Town flypast remained within its authorised safety parameters.
