History of Flight
On Friday, 26 November 2021, a pilot accompanied by two passengers boarded a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle, registration ZS-IGG, operated by Duratone (Pty) Ltd. The aircraft departed Hoedspruit Eastgate Aerodrome (FAHS) at 1100Z on a private flight to Rand Aerodrome (FAGM). After approximately 45 minutes in cruise overhead Witbank, the pilot broadcasted that the engines were running rough and requested descent.
Incident Sequence
The area control directed the aircraft to Middleburg Aerodrome (FAMB). During final approach for Runway 14, both engines stopped simultaneously. Neither propeller was feathered. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing on an open field approximately 0.81 nautical miles north of FAMB.
Injuries and Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot suffered minor injuries; the two passengers were not injured.
Weather Conditions
At the time, weather conditions included wind from 070° at 2 knots, temperature 0°C, dew point -4°C, and drizzle.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was determined as a double-engine failure during approach for an emergency landing, following rough-running engines most likely induced by ice obstructing the engine air filters.