What happened
On 13 January 2007, a Hoffman H38 Dimona, registration ZS-GWG, departed from Uitenhage Aerodrome for a local scenic flight. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger. Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, while flying in clear weather and daylight, the aircraft entered a valley and struck the terrain. The impact occurred in a nose-up, right-wing-low attitude. The collision resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the surrounding environment to determine the cause of the crash. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions were fine, with no cloud cover and mild temperatures. The aircraft's engine and fuel systems were inspected and found to be in good working order, with no mechanical failures identified prior to the impact. The investigation also noted that the aircraft had been maintained according to regulatory requirements. While the impact caused severe damage to the cockpit, investigators ruled out a midair breakup as a contributing factor.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain.
- The aircraft was unable to successfully climb the steep terrain, which rises at an angle of approximately 20° to 25°.
- There were no reported defects in the aircraft's communication or navigational equipment prior to the flight.