What happened
On 18 March 2005, a Piper PA32-300, registered ZS-JGH, departed Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) on a private flight destined for a farm near Ellisras. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and four passengers, along with two dogs. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft traveled along the extended centerline of Runway 17 before disappearing from air traffic control's view while heading east.
After several unsuccessful attempts to re-establish radio contact, emergency personnel were deployed to search the flight path. The search party located the wreckage within a private yard in the Lambton residential area of Germiston. During its descent, the aircraft struck the treetops, the roof tiles of a residence, and a carport structure before finally coming to rest against a large tree. The impact was severe, causing extensive damage to the airframe. All five people on board sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the circumstances of the takeoff. Records indicated that the aircraft's last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 22 February 2005, and the aircraft had not flown since that inspection was certified.
Technical analysis of the engine's ignition system revealed a significant mechanical failure. Investigators determined that a wedge on the right-hand side of a magneto had become loose during flight. This displacement caused extensive internal damage to the magneto, including destruction of the distributor block, gears, electrode post, and the coil pole shoe.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of engine power during takeoff resulting from a malfunctioning ignition system.
- A component within the magneto became adrift, leading to the internal destruction of critical ignition components.
- The aircraft was operating at a weight that exceeded its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW).