Accident Details
On 7 February 2002, at 1615Z, a Cessna P210N aircraft registered ZS-MXR was destroyed when it collided with terrain approximately 9.4 nautical miles north of Vereeniging aerodrome. The aircraft was being operated on a demonstration flight at the time of the accident. There were three persons on board, all of whom sustained fatal injuries.
Flight History
The flight originated from Lanseria Airport at 0526Z, proceeding to Vereeniging to pick up two passengers, one of whom was a prospective buyer. After boarding, the aircraft departed for Pietersburg, landing at 1042Z. The return flight to Vereeniging departed Pietersburg at 1438Z. Approximately 23 minutes after takeoff, while about 26 nautical miles outbound, the pilot requested to return to Pietersburg due to poor weather conditions that prevented continuing under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Subsequently, an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the return to Vereeniging with Lanseria as the alternate aerodrome. The aircraft was assigned squawk code 7417 and cleared to flight level 140 (FL140).
Sequence of Events
At 1553Z, while approximately 5 nautical miles from the Johannesburg Terminal Control Area (TMA) at FL120, the pilot was cleared to descend to FL100. During the descent, the pilot reported strong updraughts. Continuing toward Vereeniging, when approximately 10 nautical miles north of the aerodrome, the pilot requested a diversion to Lanseria due to the aircraft being in a tremendous storm. The aircraft turned to the right, and the last radar return showed the aircraft heading west at FL083 with a ground speed of 160 knots. The wreckage was subsequently located in the same area where radar contact was lost.
Meteorological Conditions
Meteorological information indicated thunderstorm conditions with strong winds and heavy rain at the accident location.
Probable Cause
The pilot, who held an instrument rating and an Airline Transport Pilot Licence, inadvertently entered a severe storm. While attempting to turn out of the storm and divert to Lanseria, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, resulting in a collision with the ground. Contributory factors were identified as the intermittent operation of the onboard weather radar and the possibility that the aircraft sustained a lightning strike.