What happened
On 25 April 2006, a Beech D9-95A, registration ZS-FET, departed Cape Town International Aerodrome for a scheduled training session. The flight, operated by the Cape Aero Club, was intended to conduct asymmetric circuit exercises, specifically simulating an engine failure during a missed approach. The crew consisted of an instructor, a pilot undergoing type conversion, and a passenger who was also an instructor.
While flying toward the Atlantis area, the aircraft disappeared from radar at approximately 3,800 feet. The wreckage was later discovered in dense vegetation roughly 5.4 nautical miles northeast of FADX. The impact was severe, resulting in 3 fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft. There were no survivors.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and found the aircraft's landing gear was in the extended position and the flaps were set to 20 degrees. Analysis of the instrument panel, specifically the turn and bank indicator, suggested the aircraft was in a left-turn attitude at the time of impact. The investigation confirmed that the engines were functioning normally and the fuel was of the correct grade with no signs of contamination.
Investigators also reviewed the training objectives. The pilot was in the final stages of a conversion course, with the specific asymmetric climb exercise being the last requirement for the type rating. The maintenance records for ZS-FET showed the aircraft had been properly maintained and was within its inspection intervals.