What happened
A private flight, operated by a single pilot, departed with an IFR flight plan. Before takeoff, the pilot notified air traffic control at FALA that the aircraft possessed a fuel endurance of four hours, with an estimated flight time to FACT of roughly two and a half hours. Following departure, radar data confirmed the aircraft type reached a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet.
Communication with air traffic control remained stable until the aircraft reached the area above Kimberley. Shortly after this point, the aircraft was observed deviating from its planned path, performing a slight left turn near the town of Douglas. The aircraft continued at FL300, heading south toward the OKTED waypoint, which was located significantly east of the intended destination at FACT.
As the aircraft became unresponsive to radio calls, the aeronautical rescue co-ordination centre (ARCC) was notified. The aircraft remained under continuous radar monitoring. To assist in the investigation, the ARCC requested military support, leading to the dispatch of a Gripen from Air Force Base Overberg (FAOB).
The military pilot intercepted the aircraft approximately three minutes prior to its impact with the ground. Due to the erratic flight pattern of the aircraft, the intercepting pilot could not approach closely enough to determine the pilot's state of consciousness. The aircraft was seen entering a left-hand spiral, descending rapidly until it struck the terrain. The impact resulted in one fatality and the total destruction of the aircraft.