Accident
On 5 December 2012, at 09:45 South African Standard Time (07:45 UTC), a Douglas C-47TP transport aircraft of the South African Air Force crashed near Giant's Castle in the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa. The aircraft was operating a flight from AFB Waterkloof to Mthatha Airport. Shortly before the crash, the crew reported that they were flying on instruments at an altitude of 11,000 feet (3,400 meters) in instrument meteorological conditions. All eleven occupants—six crew members and five passengers—died in the accident.
Initial reports indicated that former South African President Nelson Mandela's medical team was on board, but this was later confirmed to be incorrect. A search operation by an Atlas Oryx helicopter was initiated but had to be abandoned due to poor visibility.
Aircraft
The aircraft involved was a Douglas C-47TP, tail number 6840, construction number 13866. It was originally built in 1943 for the United States Army Air Forces as serial 43-48050. In 1944, it was transferred to the Royal Air Force as KG767, and subsequently to the South African Air Force as 6840. During the early 1990s, the aircraft underwent modifications that included the installation of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6A turboprop engines and a fuselage extension. At the time of the accident, it was based at AFB Ysterplaat, Cape Town, and primarily used for maritime patrol duties, as well as supporting the Silver Falcons display team.
Investigation
A Board of Inquiry was convened by the South African Air Force to determine the cause of the accident. The findings of the investigation have not been publicly released.