“Recipe for Disaster”: American Pilot Captain Steve Analyses Airlink’s DHL Stadium Flyover
- Two Airlink passenger jets flew less than 50 feet above Cape Town’s DHL Stadium during Saturday’s Springboks match
- American aviation commentator Captain Steeeve examined the flyover after footage triggered worldwide debate about safety and planning
- The SACAA is reviewing flight data while Airlink has withdrawn another planned rugby flyover application
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Source: Facebook
Two Airlink jets flew dangerously close to Cape Town’s DHL Stadium, leaving rugby supporters and aviation experts debating the dramatic pre-match display.
The flyover happened before the Springboks faced New Zealand on 29 August, with Captain Steeeve later examining why the manoeuvre attracted worldwide attention.
The American aviation commentator shared his reaction on Facebook on 2 September. He unpacked the controversial display after viewers repeatedly asked him about it.
Footage showed two Airlink Embraer aircraft flying in formation above the packed stadium. The spectacle happened shortly before kick-off during the second Rugby Championship Test.
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More than 56,000 supporters were inside the Cape Town venue when the aircraft passed overhead. South Africa beat the All Blacks 33-26 during the highly anticipated encounter.
Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 later analysed the aircraft’s recorded altitude during the flyover. Its calculations estimated the lead aircraft cleared the stadium roof by 41 to 46 feet.
That measurement made the display particularly unusual for large commercial passenger aircraft. The distance represented less than 15 metres between the jet and stadium roof.
Aviation expert weighs in on controversial Cape Town flyover
Captain Steeeve described the formation flying as particularly striking while analysing footage from different angles. He also examined questions surrounding the aircraft’s speed, crew arrangements and flight authorisation.
Airlink maintained that the flyover involved careful planning, rehearsals and experienced flight crews. The airline said aviation authorities provided guidance and approval before the display took place.
Each aircraft reportedly carried three senior captains performing separate operational and safety roles. The jets were travelling at approximately 150 knots during the carefully planned manoeuvre.
The stunt divided opinion online, with some praising the pilots’ skills and others questioning safety margins. Captain Steeeve invited viewers to decide whether the aircraft flew too low.
Watch the Facebook video below:
3 more stories about the flyover
- Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie posted a cryptic teaser on X following the Airlink low flyover at DHL Stadium.
- An American pilot responded to a viewer's question about the Airlink flyover at a Springboks rugby match, and his answer was unambiguous.
- The dramatic Springboks vs All Blacks flyover has taken a new turn after flight data was handed to aviation authorities.
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Source: Briefly News
