What happened
During an en route flight from Durban to Johannesburg, the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions. Specifically, fog significantly reduced visibility, creating a challenging operational environment for the flight. Despite these conditions, the aircraft descended to an altitude that was too low for the terrain below. Consequently, the airplane impacted the slope of a hill and was destroyed in the collision.
The accident resulted in significant loss of life and injury among those on board. Five occupants were killed in the crash, while one passenger sustained critical injuries. The impact with the ground rendered the airframe beyond repair.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was a controlled flight into terrain. This determination highlights that the aircraft remained under pilot control until it struck the hillside, rather than suffering a mechanical failure or loss of control in mid-air.