Accident Details
On 10 December 2003 at approximately 0957Z, a Beech 95-B55 (registration ZS-JFF) operated by a training school was conducting a dual engine rating test at Brakpan Aerodrome (East Rand, Gauteng). The aircraft had two occupants on board, an instructor (pilot-in-command) and a student. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft was substantially damaged. The weather at the time was CAVOK with light and variable surface wind and a temperature of 24°C.
Sequence of Events
The instructor reported that on 9 December 2003, the flight had completed upper air work including simulated engine failures. On the accident day, the flight continued circuits and landings, focusing on simulated engine failures after takeoff and single-engine landings. During a circuit, the student initiated a simulated right engine failure. After the engine was throttled back, the instructor briefed the student to stop on Runway 18 after landing. During the flare, the aircraft touched down lightly and ballooned. The instructor stated that he informed the student he had control, but the student's elbow was locked, preventing the instructor from reducing power. The aircraft then pitched nose-up under high power and entered a stall attitude between 10 and 15 feet above ground level. The right wing dropped, and the aircraft veered right, away from the runway. With the undercarriage and flaps fully extended, the aircraft could not accelerate due to increased drag. The instructor retracted the undercarriage to reduce impact forces. The occupants were not injured.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft had accumulated 4766.4 airframe hours at the time of the accident. The last mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) was certified on 2 September 2003 at 4764.4 hours, so the aircraft had flown 2 hours since. According to SACAA records, the aircraft type was accepted in the country. The approved maintenance organization (AMO) was audited within the last two years prior to the accident, with the last audit on 20 May 2003 revealing no major findings.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was undetermined. A contributing factor was identified: poor crew resource management.