Fatal Piper PA-28-140 Crash in South Africa (ZS-EXM)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 19 October 2006, a Piper PA-28-140, registration ZS-EXM, operated by Bevrick Air (PTY) Ltd, departed from Kimberley Aerodrome (FAKM) at 0345Z. The aircraft was on a domestic visual flight rules (VFR) charter flight to inspect high-tension wires. The pilot was accompanied by a surveyor. Approximately two and a half hours after departure, the aircraft crashed at Farm Spitskop, located approximately 15 km from Petrusburg on the R48 road towards Kimberley. The accident occurred at 0630Z in daylight conditions. An eyewitness reported seeing the aircraft flying at low level over a farm and making a turn before it suddenly descended and crashed. The aircraft skidded for approximately 200 metres from the point of first impact before colliding with a tree and rolling over. Both occupants were thrown from the aircraft, which was destroyed by post-impact forces. There was no evidence of pre- or post-impact fire, and no other damage was reported.