What happened
On 19 April 2002, a CESSNA 177 RG, registered ZS-JMW, was prepared for a private flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome to Tzaneen Aerodrome. During the initial phase of the flight, the pilot requested taxi clearance and was instructed by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to proceed to the holding point for Runway 29. Although the pilot correctly read back the instruction, the aircraft was instead taxied to the threshold of Runway 11.
After notifying ATC of readiness for departure, the pilot received takeoff clearance specifically for Runway 29. However, the pilot proceeded to take off from Runway 11. Shortly after the takeoff roll, ATC instructed an approaching aircraft to divert due to the conflict created by the departing aircraft. The pilot of ZS-JMW then notified the tower that they were turning right to avoid oncoming traffic, having realized the error in runway selection.
Following instructions from the tower to vacate the area and prepare for a full-stop landing on Runway 29, the pilot executed a sharp left turn with a bank angle exceeding 45 degrees. During this maneuver, the aircraft flew at a very low altitude and struck a residential boundary wall and a lapa in the Doornpoort area. A significant post-impact fire destroyed much of the aircraft and the structure. The accident resulted in 3 fatalities.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the sequence of movements on the ground and in the air, focusing on the discrepancy between the ATC instructions and the actual taxi path taken by the pilot. The investigation also reviewed the air traffic controller's oversight regarding the aircraft's movement toward the incorrect runway threshold and the subsequent flight path of the aircraft during its attempt to avoid traffic.