Fatal Charter Flight Crash Near Hennenman (ZS-UAS)

Incident Overview A twin-engine aircraft operating a charter flight from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg was carrying a team of jockeys and trainers when it encountered an in-flight fire in the cabin. While cruising at 9,000 feet, the captain declared an emergency and received clearance to return to Bloemfontein Airport. During the emergency descent, the aircraft entered a dive and crashed in a 45-degree nose-down attitude into an open field in Hennenman, approximately 25 kilometers east of Welkom. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, resulting in the deaths of all 24 occupants on board. ## Occupants The crew consisted of Captain Jacob Kalt, copilot Harold Whitehead, and stewardess Jacqueline Henderson. The passenger manifest included Keith Basel, Lawrence Riley, Johannes “Rooies” Fourie, Warren Baillie, Bennie de Wet, Greg Holme, Douglas Roper, Danny Lombard, John McMurtry, Mark Nel, Michael Coetzee, Simon Rahilly, Gordon Sterley Graham Kent, Dave Bullock, Henry Havergall, Ginger Masterton, Johannes van der Linden, Jacobus Viljoen, Neville Blignaut, and Hennie van Wyk. ## Investigation Findings Official findings determined that a high-intensity fire developed under the floor of the main cabin just behind the cockpit. The aircraft crashed approximately 2.5 minutes after the crew declared the emergency. Investigators found no crew error during the investigation and reported that the aircraft’s maintenance was in accordance with regulations. No technical issues were found on the aircraft. Control was lost after the pilot was intoxicated by fume inhalation. It is believed that the fire may have erupted following the failure of a fuel booster pump connected to the right engine.