What happened
On 23 July 2006, a Piper PA24-250, registration ZS-CKH, departed Worcester Aerodrome for a private flight to Grabouw Private Aerodrome. The pilot had traveled to Worcester earlier that day to retrieve the aircraft, which had been left there previously due to bad weather.
During the flight, witnesses observed the aircraft moving through the area. At approximately 1430Z, the aircraft was seen flying toward the mountains, briefly turning back toward Worcester. Shortly after, the aircraft was seen orbiting Caledon Aerodrome and flying at a low level along a river pass. As the scheduled arrival time passed without the aircraft appearing, a search was initiated. The wreckage was discovered the following morning in the mountains near Grabouw, where a post-impact fire had destroyed the aircraft. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation established that the aircraft was maintained according to regulations and that the engine was producing full power at the moment of impact. There were no reported mechanical defects or maintenance anomalies prior to the accident.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that while the pilot was appropriately rated for the aircraft type and held a valid medical certificate, he did not possess an instrument rating or a night rating. The investigation also considered the meteorological conditions, which included rain, mist, and a cloud base of only 500 feet.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the mountainside in a straight and level attitude.
- The primary cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- Adverse weather conditions, specifically flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without an instrument rating, were a significant factor.
- It is believed the pilot may have descended to a lower altitude in an attempt to maintain visual contact with the ground while flying through low visibility.