No fatalities

Aircraft crash near Pretoria-Wonderboom Airport (ZS-KAU)

Pretoria-Wonderboom, South AfricaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 7, 1982, a Rockwell Grand Commander 680 (registration ZS-KAU) operated by Deelgroei was involved in an aviation accident near Pretoria-Wonderboom, South Africa during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fire within the aircraft cabin caused the pilot to lose control during the approach phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

An unidentified aircraft crashed during its approach to Pretoria-Wonderboom Airport under circumstances involving a suspected onboard fire.

What happened

During an approach to Pretoria-Wonderboom Airport, an aircraft crashed under undetermined conditions. While the specific details of the descent remain unclear, reports indicate that the aircraft became uncontrollable during the final stages of flight. It is believed that a fire developed within the cabin while the plane was on approach to the airfield.

At this time, the status of the occupant remains unconfirmed, as their fate is currently unknown. No specific aircraft registration or model was provided in the initial reports regarding this incident.

Findings

Preliminary information suggests that the loss of control was likely triggered by an in-flight fire located inside the cabin area. This event occurred while the aircraft was transitioning into its landing phase near the Pretoria-Wonderboom area.

Probable cause

A fire within the aircraft cabin caused the pilot to lose control during the approach phase.