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2 fatalities

Night Takeoff Accident at Manzini-Matsapha Airport (ZS-NGV)

Manzini-Matsapha, SwazilandTakeoff (climb)

On April 2, 2000, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration ZS-NGV) operated by Foster Webb Air Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Manzini-Matsapha, Swaziland during takeoff. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered ZS-NGV
Aircraft registered ZS-NGV. Photo: Bob Adams from George, South Africa / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A twin-engine aircraft struck power cables and crashed after a night takeoff from Manzini-Matsapha Airport. The captain survived, while the copilot and a passenger were killed. The investigation found a non-compliant turbocharger, a forged pilot's licence, and poor engine.

Incident Overview and Casualties A twin-engine aircraft crashed after striking power cables during a night takeoff from Manzini-Matsapha Airport. The accident resulted in two fatalities and one survivor. The captain survived the crash, while the copilot and a passenger, identified as a company mechanic, were killed. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the incident. ## Investigation Findings The investigation identified several significant factors related to the accident. A turbocharger fitted to one of the engines was reported to be non-compliant. Additionally, the pilot's licence was found to be forged. The investigation also identified poor engine maintenance as a contributing factor. The source does not provide a formal probable cause statement.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 2000 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Manzini-Matsapha, Swaziland?

A twin-engine aircraft struck power cables and crashed after a night takeoff from Manzini-Matsapha Airport. The captain survived, while the copilot and a passenger were killed. The investigation found a non-compliant turbocharger, a forged pilot's licence, and poor engine.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Apr 2000 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 2 Apr 2000 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration ZS-NGV, operated by Foster Webb Air Charter, at Manzini-Matsapha, Swaziland.

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