What happened
On the afternoon of 21 April 2024, a Cessna 172 RG with registration ZS-KNE departed from Nelspruit Airport for Witbank Airport in Mpumalanga. The initial leg of the flight was uneventful. Upon arrival at Witbank, one passenger disembarked to allow two additional male passengers to board, bringing the total number of people on board to four.
During the subsequent departure from Witbank Airport, witnesses observed the aircraft struggling to accelerate down Runway 22. As the plane rotated, it gained altitude slowly before experiencing a sharp yaw and a sudden loss of lift. The aircraft subsequently nose-dived, impacting the grounds of the Blesbok Coal Mine, approximately 582 meters from the runway end. The impact resulted in four fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft. One passenger, who had been treated by mine emergency responders, later died from his injuries.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's maintenance records, environmental conditions, and flight parameters. The engine was found to be in good working order prior to the accident, with recent inspections and component overhauls completed earlier in 2024. Investigators also analyzed the meteorological data, noting high temperatures and clear skies at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in an environment with high density altitude due to high ambient temperatures.
- The aircraft's weight exceeded its maximum all-up weight (MAUW).
- The combination of excessive weight and high density altitude led to degraded aerodynamic performance.
- The aircraft experienced a stall during the climb phase, which was the direct cause of the loss of control.