History of Flight
The charter flight was scheduled to depart from Mokuti Lodge at 10:00 UTC but was delayed due to weather at Swakopmund. The flight departed from Mushara runway 27 at 12:57 UTC, with an estimated time of arrival at Swakopmund of 14:52 UTC. During descent, the pilot observed weather deteriorating from the north and executed a 180-degree turn for a different approach angle. After a brief conversation with the operator's duty officer, it was agreed to divert to Arandis, the alternate airport. However, after passing Rossing Mountains and descending to 2,000 ft AGL, the pilot contacted another aircraft (V5-AUA) and reversed her decision, continuing toward Swakopmund. Approximately 5 nm inbound, the engine stopped. Restart attempts, including alternating fuel tanks, were unsuccessful. The aircraft impacted the ground at about 15:35 UTC, sustaining substantial damage.
Injuries
The pilot and the passenger in the right seat sustained minor injuries. The other three passengers were uninjured.
Pilot Information
The 20-year-old female pilot held a valid South African Commercial Pilot License with instrument and night ratings, and a Namibian validation. She had 362.2 total flying hours, with 87.9 hours on the Cessna 210L. Her medical certificate was valid with no restrictions.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 210L (serial number 21061520) manufactured in 1976, owned and operated by Scenic Air. The last mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) was certified on 9 May 2012 at 9,081.0 airframe hours; at the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated 9,136.6 hours. The engine was an IO-520-L-17B, and the propeller was a Hartzell PHC-J3YF-IRF/F7691. Fuel type was Avgas; post-accident examination revealed no fuel in the strainer bowl, electric fuel boost pump, or fuel lines.
Meteorological Information
Weather reported by the pilot included wind light/variable, visibility greater than 10 km, overcast cloud cover at 2,000 ft, and dew point unknown.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft impacted the ground in a westerly direction with a high rate of descent on a rocky, sandy surface approximately 5 nm east of Swakopmund airport, north of Nonidas. The coordinates were S22°16'2" E14°20', elevation 132 ft AMSL. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause to be human error, with contributing factors including fuel mismanagement, improper flight planning, deviation from regulations and standard operating procedures, and improper oversight.