On 17 February 2001, a Cessna 210M (registration ZS-LZI) was involved in an accident 14 nautical miles south-east of Greytown, South Africa. The pilot, who held a private pilot licence and a valid night rating, was fatally injured. A post-crash fire consumed much of the wreckage.
Flight Details
The pilot had hired the aircraft for three days from a flying school where he was training for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence. He planned a VFR flight from Grand Central aerodrome (FAGC) to Richards Bay (FARB) and then to Durban and possibly Port Shepstone before returning. On the morning of 17 February, he departed FAGC at 0744 Z, arrived at FARB about three hours later, refueled, and filed a VFR flight plan for the return to FAGC despite the prevailing weather not being suitable for VFR flight.
Flight Path and Communication
On reaching the Tugela river mouth, the pilot deviated from his planned routing and requested clearance for a low-level route towards the Greytown VOR beacon (GYV), which ATC approved. At approximately 1152 Z, ATC asked if he could climb VFR to Flight Level 045; he replied negatively. ATC instructed him to remain VFR and to broadcast on 124.8 MHz, reporting if he needed further climb at Greytown. No further communication was received.
Radar and Wreckage
The aircraft remained on track towards GYV at a heading of approximately 299°M. Radar contact was lost 26 nm from GYV at 1156 Z, when the aircraft was at 2900 ft AMSL at 146 knots. The wreckage was located about two hours later at an elevation of approximately 3550 ft, 14 nm from GYV, where it had collided with high ground.