Accident Details
On 25 June 2001 at approximately 0645Z, a Piper PA-32R-301T aircraft, registration ZS-MMP, crashed near Winburg, South Africa, at coordinates S28°40.020' E027°01.098'. The aircraft was operated as a private flight from Wonderboom Airport to Paradise Beach near Jeffrey’s Bay. The pilot, holding a Private Pilot License with 516.3 total flying hours (22.9 on type), was non-instrument rated. The aircraft carried one pilot and two passengers.
Flight History
The flight departed Wonderboom Aerodrome en route to Paradise Beach. During the flight over the Free State province, the pilot reported encountering poor weather conditions. Another aircraft flying at Flight Level (FL) 055 in the same area turned back to Kroonstad near Thaba Nchu due to inclement weather. The accident aircraft initially flew at FL085 but later climbed to FL105 after receiving clearance. Radar tracked the aircraft at FL105 to FL107, then descending to FL098 as it turned from a southerly to a northerly direction at a high rate of turn. Shortly after the turn, the aircraft disappeared from radar.
Weather Conditions
An eyewitness on the ground reported low cloud and rain. The sound of the aircraft engine was described as consistent with a spiral dive or spin. Weather services indicated the freezing level at FL095 with cloudy conditions in the area.
Impact and Wreckage
The eyewitness observed the aircraft falling from the sky and impacting the ground in an uncontrolled manner. The aircraft broke up in flight prior to collision with the ground. A post-impact fire caused further damage to the cockpit and cabin area. No injuries were reported among the occupants, but all three (1+2) were killed.
Probable Cause
The non-instrument rated pilot flew the aircraft into meteorological conditions associated with cloud and ice. In these conditions, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, most probably due to ice buildup on the wings. This caused the aircraft to exceed its Never Exceed Speed (Vne). The aircraft could not withstand the imposed forces and broke up in flight, resulting in an uncontrolled impact with the ground.