What happened
On 14 August 2011, two private flights departed from Tzaneen aerodrome (FATZ) at roughly 0820Z, heading toward Rand Airport (FAGM). The first aircraft, registration ZS-NJX, was carrying six people, while the second aircraft, ZU-MMI, was carrying seven individuals. Both flights were intended to complete their journeys on the same day.
After failing to arrive at their destination as scheduled, the aircraft could not be reached via radio communications despite multiple attempts by controllers. This prompted the launch of a search and rescue operation focused on the vicinity where the two planes were last known to have been in contact with other air traffic. Due to severe weather conditions in the search area, the wreckage was not discovered until approximately two days after the incident.
Investigation of the site revealed that both the ZS-NJX and ZU-MMI had struck a mountain located within the Lekgalametse valley. The impact was followed by a fire that consumed both airframes. There were 13 fatalities in total, as every person on board both aircraft perished.
Findings
- The aircraft were lost following a collision with terrain.
- Post-impact fire caused the total destruction of both aircraft.
- Adverse weather conditions significantly delayed the recovery and identification of the wreckage.