Accident Summary
On 10 December 2002, at approximately 1500Z, a Cessna 150J (registration ZS-TAC) departed Runway 03 at Vereeniging aerodrome on a local private flight. The pilot-in-command, a 65-year-old commercial pilot with 4435 total flying hours, was accompanied by a passenger who held a private pilot license. The aircraft was refuelled with 30 litres of AVGAS 100LL (15 litres per tank) prior to departure, but the tanks were not topped off.
The flight proceeded to the general flying training area west of van der Bijl Park. At 1349Z, the aircraft took off and routed westward. According to an eyewitness working on a maize farm in the Holfontein district (approximately 19 nautical miles southwest of Vereeniging aerodrome), the aircraft was approaching from an easterly direction at relatively high altitude when the engine sound diminished. The nose then dropped and the aircraft entered a spin to the right, completing several rotations before colliding with the ground while still spinning.
A second eyewitness also observed the aircraft just prior to the accident, describing a left-hand spin (contrary to the first witness). He confirmed that the aircraft continued spinning until impact. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants sustained fatal injuries on impact.
Investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority investigated the accident. No mechanical or medical factors that could have contributed were found. The aircraft was operated under private category with a valid pilot license. Meteorological conditions were CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK).
Probable Cause
The accident occurred following an intentional spin manoeuvre when the aircraft failed to recover and was seen to complete several spin rotations before colliding with the ground and fatally injuring both occupants.