Fatal Piper PA 22-108 Crash at Krugersdorp Aerodrome (ZS-DVF)

Accident Overview and Flight History On the morning of 16 December 2003, a Piper PA 22-108 with registration ZS-DVF departed from Krugersdorp Aerodrome (FAKR) on a private flight. The aircraft was piloted by an 81-year-old male holding a private pilot licence and was accompanied by a 61-year-old male passenger. Both occupants were fatally injured in the accident, which occurred at 0515Z (UTC). The flight was observed in the Hartebeesfontein area at approximately 0510Z. An eyewitness reported the aircraft flying at a height of about 100 metres (330 feet) above ground level, orbiting over a specific area. The witness noted the engine was operating at a constant speed. Prior to impact, the aircraft was seen flying downwind, then turning in a southeasterly direction towards the witness in a straight and level attitude. When in close proximity, the aircraft turned left into the wind. The initial 90 degrees of the turn appeared normal, but the bank angle suddenly increased, followed by a dive into the terrain. ## Aircraft and Personnel Details The aircraft, a 1968 Piper PA 22-108 (Serial No. 22-9773), was powered by a Lycoming O-290-D engine. The pilot had a total flying experience of 4,065.2 hours, with 49.2 hours on type. The pilot's medical certificate was valid, with an expiry date of 16 April 2005. Notably, the Certificate of Airworthiness currency fee had expired on 18 October 2003, and no evidence was found that it was paid prior to the flight. ## Meteorological and Site Information The accident occurred in fine weather conditions. The surface wind was from 020° at 10 knots, with a temperature of 20°C and visibility greater than 10 km. The crash site was located on Farm Moedhou in the Hartebeesfontein District (GPS: S 25° 51’ 537” E 027° 37’ 418”), at an elevation of approximately 4,200 feet. The aircraft impacted a spinach field in a substantial nose-down attitude on a heading of 326°M. ## Investigation Findings The aircraft was destroyed by the impact forces, with the forward fuselage and wings severely disrupted. No pre- or post-impact fire occurred. The pilot's body was trapped in the wreckage, requiring special rescue equipment, while the passenger was thrown from the aircraft. Post-mortem examinations revealed both occupants died from multiple blunt force injuries. The pilot's blood alcohol concentration was 0.00 g/100ml, and naproxen was detected. The accident was deemed non-survivable due to the severity of the impact.