History of Flight
The pilot departed from Lanseria Aerodrome (FALA) at 1736Z on 18 December 2006, intending to fly to Rand Aerodrome. Earlier that day, the pilot had returned from Botswana, having refuelled at Sir Seretse Khama Aerodrome. After clearing customs at Lanseria, the pilot took off for Rand. At 1758Z, the pilot contacted Lanseria ATC to inquire about weather conditions and was advised that conditions were very bad. The accident occurred at 1810Z, approximately 34 minutes after departure.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-140, registration ZS-ELU, manufactured in 1966 and owned by T A S Flite School CC. The pilot, a 25-year-old male from Botswana, held a private pilot licence valid with a night rating obtained on 6 October 2006. His total flying experience was 167.3 hours, including 12.2 night hours. The pilot's logbook was not recovered.
Meteorological Conditions
The South African Weather Service reported that a trough of low pressure was over the central interior with thunderstorms east of the trough. Satellite imagery showed cloudy conditions over Johannesburg. Radar imagery indicated a thunderstorm over Johannesburg at the time of the accident. Conditions at the accident site were likely: cloudy with thunderstorms and rain, cloud base 3000 feet, visibility 2000 metres or less in rain, wind 200° at 20 knots gusting to 40 knots, temperature 15°C, dew point 14°C.
Accident and Impact
The aircraft crashed into a building basement near the Vodacom Tower in Johannesburg CBD. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying low with the engine running loudly, accompanied by lightning and mist. The aircraft impacted in a nose-down attitude at high speed and high angle, penetrating the basement and striking a parked car. Two other cars were damaged by debris. There was no pre- or post-impact fire. Emergency services responded, and one bystander was treated for shock. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was killed.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed continuity of the primary flight controls (ailerons, rudder, elevator) with no evidence of disconnection prior to impact. The engine was severely damaged, but witnesses reported it was running before the crash. The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was spatial disorientation of the pilot due to the fact that he conducted a VMC flight into IMC and experienced a loss of visual reference.