On October 2, 1986, a Dassault Falcon 10 (registration 3D-ART) operated by Rembrandt Tobacco was involved in an aviation accident near Haenertsburg, South Africa during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the crew failed to obtain proper weather bulletin prior to departure. After being stressed by an excessive workload, the crew failed to follow the published procedures and initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft struck a mountain slope near Haenertsburg at an altitude of 5,200 feet during approach to Pietersburg-Gateway Airport. All four occupants were killed. The investigation found that the crew failed to obtain a weather bulletin and descended prematurely due to excessive workload.
Accident Details
Following an uneventful flight, the crew initiated an approach to Pietersburg-Gateway Airport. During the descent, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility. Due to an excessive workload in the cockpit, the crew failed to maintain awareness of the aircraft's altitude. At an altitude of 5,200 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located near Haenertsburg, approximately 55 km east of Pietersburg Airport. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and all four occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
It was determined that the crew failed to obtain a proper weather bulletin prior to departure. After being stressed by an excessive workload, the crew failed to follow published procedures and initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the minimum prescribed altitude. Consequently, the accident was the result of a controlled flight into terrain.
Probable cause
It was determined that the crew failed to obtain proper weather bulletin prior to departure. After being stressed by an excessive workload, the crew failed to follow the published procedures and initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the minimum prescribed altitude. In consequence, the accident was the result of a controlled flight into terrain.