Accident Details
On 17 June 2006 at approximately 1100Z, a Cessna 182S aircraft, registration ZS-OIC, was involved in an accident near Iswepe – Bushmen Bend, close to Piet Retief (GPS coordinates: S26°50’156” E030°34’508”). The aircraft was operating a private flight with a pilot and one passenger on board. The meteorological conditions were CAVOK.
Sequence of Events
The pilot and passenger had departed from Watervaldrift Farm in the Piet Retief area at approximately 0830Z. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at low altitude above ground and performing turns. The aircraft entered a right turn shortly before striking an electrical wire. The height of the wire was approximately 26.78 meters above ground. The impact severely damaged the vertical stabiliser and rudder, causing a section of the vertical stabiliser to separate from the aircraft. This damage considerably affected the aircraft's flight characteristics. The aircraft then impacted the ground approximately 220 meters from the wire installation. The engine and airframe sustained severe impact damage, and the aircraft was destroyed by a post-impact fire.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot held a valid Private Pilot License with a Cessna 182 rating issued by the CAA. The pilot's total flying experience was 156.6 hours, with 19 hours as pilot-in-command. The type of operation was a private flight, and the licence was valid. Hours on type were unknown. The aircraft's last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was certified on 18 November 2005 at 639.7 airframe hours. All applicable Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins recorded on the inspection report had been complied with.
Aftermath
The pilot and passenger were fatally injured in the accident. The aircraft was destroyed.