What happened
On the morning of 16 November 2002, a PA 28R-180, registered as ZS-LCS, departed from Rand Airport's Runway 35. The aircraft was conducting a private flight with a pilot and two passengers on board. The intended flight path was a local circuit involving visits to Hartebeestpoortdam and the Johannesburg General Flying area, with a planned return to Rand Airport.
Shortly after the takeoff, the aircraft began a descent that led to a collision with an uneven area of mine dumps located approximately 5km northwest of Rand Airport, near the Gosforth race course. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames. The resulting fire was intense enough to completely destroy the cockpit and cabin sections of the airframe.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were clear, though the temperature was notably high. The investigation focused on the flight path and the physical state of the aircraft following the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft struck highly undulated terrain consisting of mine dumps.
- A post-impact fire occurred, causing serious burns to all three occupants.
- There were no fatalities resulting from the accident.
- Due to the extreme destruction caused by the fire, which consumed the fuel system and all engine components, the exact cause of the crash could not be determined.