What happened
On the morning of 16 April 2000, a Beech A36, registration ZS-LFD, departed Grand Central Airport on a private flight intended for Virginia Airport. During the flight, the pilot initially requested a diversion back to Grand Central due to weather conditions. While navigating the Johannesburg FIR at FL140, Johannesburg ATC issued multiple instructions for the aircraft to remain clear of the Johannesburg TMA.
By 0526Z, the aircraft was approximately 45nm from Virginia Airport. Despite repeated attempts by Johannesburg ATC on various frequencies and an alert from another airline pilot, the aircraft failed to respond to any radio calls. At 0534Z, controllers finally established contact with the pilot and instructed a left turn and descent to clear the TMA. Although the pilot did not verbally acknowledge the instruction, radar observations showed the aircraft performing a left-hand turn and beginning a slow descent. Shortly thereafter, at approximately 0545Z, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens 43nm south of Virginia Airport.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying at a very low altitude over a maize field in a southerly direction before it vanished from view. The aircraft subsequently impacted a maize field near Grootvlei, near Vaaldam, causing damage to the leading edges of the wings and horizontal stabilizer.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight's final moments. The investigation focused on the period during which the pilot stopped responding to air traffic control and the subsequent flight path observed on radar. Upon arriving at the accident site, investigators discovered the one fatality on board. The medical examination revealed that the pilot had sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating a private flight without a submitted flight plan.
- The pilot failed to respond to multiple radio communications from Johannesburg ATC and other aircraft.
- The aircraft's flight path showed a descent and turn consistent with ATC instructions, despite the lack of verbal acknowledgment.
- The primary cause of the accident was a deliberate landing in unsuitable terrain.