Accident Summary
On 16 April 2000, at approximately 0233 Z, a Beechcraft A36 (registration ZS-LFD) departed Grand Central Airport on a private flight destined for Virginia Airport. The sole occupant was the pilot. The aircraft was operating under private category. The weather was reported as fine with a temperature of 18°C.
Flight and Communication
No flight plan was submitted. According to Johannesburg ATC, the aircraft was initially flying at FL135 when the pilot elected to divert back to Grand Central in the FADN FIR due to weather. At 0451Z, the aircraft crossed the Johannesburg FIR inbound at FL140. Johannesburg ATC requested the pilot to remain clear of Johannesburg TMA, which the pilot acknowledged.
At 0526Z, when the aircraft was approximately 45 nm from JSV, Johannesburg ATC attempted several times on frequencies 126.7 MHz and 119.5 MHz to contact the pilot to remain clear of JHB TMA, but received no response. An airline pilot also transmitted, stating “LFD, Johannesburg is calling you,” but also received no response.
At 0534Z, with the aircraft 26 nm from JSV on radial 208°, Johannesburg ATC established contact with the pilot. The tower requested a left turn and descent clear of the TMA. Although the pilot did not acknowledge, radar showed he executed a left-hand turn and began a slow descent. Several further attempts to re-establish contact were unsuccessful. The aircraft disappeared from radar at approximately 0545Z, 43 nm south of JSV.
Final Events
Two witnesses observed the aircraft flying very low above a maize field in a southerly direction before it disappeared out of sight above the field. The aircraft subsequently landed in the field. Both wings and the horizontal stabilizer leading edges were damaged on impact with maize stalks; the fuselage and cockpit area sustained only slight damage.
Investigation Findings
Two CAA investigators arrived at the accident site and found the pilot deceased with a gunshot wound to his head. According to the Post Mortem report, the pilot died as a result of a gunshot wound to the skull and brain. The probable cause of the accident was determined by the South African Civil Aviation Authority to be a deliberate landing in unsuitable terrain.