History of Flight
On Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at 0420Z, a pilot holding a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) took off from Runway 07 at Kroonstad Airfield (FAKS) in the Free State province aboard a Piper PA-25-260 (Pawnee) aircraft, registration ZS-JTW. The flight was a training exercise simulating crop-spraying operations under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, conducted in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day.
A flight instructor (FI) observing the flight reported that the pilot completed the pre-flight inspection, started the engine, and taxied to the asphalt runway. The pilot advanced the throttle to 2 700 RPM and commenced the take-off roll. The aircraft rotated and climbed to approximately 300 ft above ground level (AGL). It then descended, and the pilot executed the first simulated spray-run exercise above Runway 12 at 6 ft AGL. After this run, the aircraft climbed back to 300 ft and initiated a left turn to position for Runway 30 for the second simulated spray run.
During the left turn, the aircraft disappeared from the FI’s line of sight. Moments later, the FI heard a loud bang and observed black smoke. He drove toward the smoke source and found the aircraft had crashed and was on fire. He alerted fire services and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Injuries to Persons
The pilot sustained fatal injuries. No other persons were on board or on the ground injured.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, surface wind was 020° at 5 kt, temperature 19 °C, dew point 12 °C, with CAVOK conditions.
Aircraft Information
A post-accident examination of the engine revealed no defects that would have affected its performance.
Probable Cause
The aircraft impacted the ground after a stall whilst the pilot attempted to recover from an uncoordinated left turn.