2 fatalities

Aircraft crash near Boksburg following takeoff from Johannesburg (ZS-KBY)

Johannesburg-Oliver Reginald Tambo (Jan Smuts), South AfricaTakeoff (climb)

On January 26, 1996, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration ZS-KBY) operated by Magnum Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Johannesburg-Oliver Reginald Tambo (Jan Smuts), South Africa during takeoff. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed near Boksburg shortly after departing Johannesburg-Oliver Reginald Tambo Airport, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

During a recent flight departing from Johannesburg-Oliver Reginald Tambo Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced a loss of control during its initial climb. The incident occurred as the plane was ascending from the runway, leading to a descent toward the ground.

Shortly after the departure phase, the aircraft went out of control and impacted the ground in the vicinity of Boksburg, situated approximately 5 km south of the airport. The impact resulted in two fatalities, as both occupants on board were killed in the accident.

Findings

There are currently no specific details regarding the mechanical or operational reasons for the loss of control provided in the initial report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jan 1996 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Johannesburg-Oliver Reginald Tambo (Jan Smuts), South Africa?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed near Boksburg shortly after departing Johannesburg-Oliver Reginald Tambo Airport, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Jan 1996 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jan 1996 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration ZS-KBY, operated by Magnum Airlines, at Johannesburg-Oliver Reginald Tambo (Jan Smuts), South Africa.