Accident Details
On 19 April 2000 at 0505, a Cessna 172 (MOD M/81/16), registered ZS-ILI, departed from Rand Airport (FAGM) for a private flight to Messina. The aircraft carried the pilot and three passengers. The pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with a total of 32,500 flying hours at last renewal on 14 March 2000; his licence was valid. The weather was fine at the time of the accident. The accident site was located 1 km south of Rand Airport.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was cleared for takeoff from runway 29. After departure, air traffic control (ATC) instructed the pilot to turn right and report when out of the control zone. ATC observed that the aircraft remained low and turned left instead of right. The controller requested confirmation that operations were normal. Initially there was no response, but shortly afterwards the pilot requested to return to the airport.
ATC then instructed the pilot to join a left base for runway 35. At that point, the controller lost sight of the aircraft. Asked for his position, the pilot reported being overhead Alberton. The controller again instructed the pilot to join left base for runway 35. The controller then observed the aircraft on a very low left base for runway 35, and it did not appear to be losing altitude. The pilot reported left base and was cleared to final approach number 1.
On late base, before the aircraft turned onto final approach, the controller saw the aircraft losing height and disappearing below the horizon to the south. No further radio communication was established. The fire crew was dispatched immediately.
Injuries and Damage
One person was killed and three were injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined the probable cause: Due to a loose magneto causing incorrect ignition timing, the engine produced insufficient power. As a result thereof the aircraft was unable to maintain or gain altitude.