What happened
On the evening of 22 March 1999, a Piper PA28-235, registered ZS-DYT, departed from Mmabatho International Airport for a private flight. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and two passengers, had recently refueled with 194 liters of fuel. The flight plan involved dropping a passenger at Lanseria International Airport before continuing to Vereeniging Aerodrome.
During the flight, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions. Satellite imagery from the weather bureau had indicated a band of clouds containing embedded thunderstorm activity positioned east of Mafeking. Following the aircraft's failure to reach its destination, a distress signal was issued. The wreckage was discovered the following morning by local farm workers, approximately 45nm east of Mmabatho.
The investigation
Investigators from the SACAA AIID examined the crash site, which was located at an elevation of 5450 feet. The wreckage analysis revealed that the Piper PA28-235 struck the ground in a slight nose-down attitude. The investigation confirmed that there were 3 fatalities and no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in a region experiencing active thunderstorm development.
- The flight took place during hours of darkness with no moonlight available for visual navigation.
- The pilot likely encountered cloud cover that obscured the horizon.
- The impact occurred at a relatively high speed while the aircraft was maintaining a course toward Lanseria.