Synopsis
On 7 March 2007, the aircraft arrived at Kamuzu International Aerodrome (Lilongwe) from Mozambique after the pilot reported communication problems during the flight. The issue was rectified after landing. The following day, 8 March 2007, the pilot and a passenger departed from Kamuzu on a domestic charter flight to Karonga Aerodrome, also in Malawi. Prior to departure, the aircraft was fueled to full capacity; 59.7 US gallons (227 litres) of fuel were added.
Accident Sequence
After takeoff at 0409Z from Runway 13 at Kamuzu International Aerodrome (elevation approximately 4031 feet AMSL), the aircraft initiated a left-hand turn while climbing to about 5529 feet AMSL in a northerly direction at an indicated airspeed (IAS) of approximately 135 mph. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft began descending at a maximum IAS of approximately 198 mph while still in a left-hand turn. It impacted terrain in a maize field in a left wing low attitude and came to rest against a tree. The accident site was located 4.32 nautical miles (8 km) north-northeast of Kamuzu International Aerodrome, at GPS coordinates S13°38' E33°48'. The aircraft was destroyed by the high impact forces, and both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, the surface wind was from 150° at 10 knots, temperature was 18°C, and the cloud cover was scattered at 600 feet and broken at 1500 feet.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA34-200T, registration ZS-MSN. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License, was 64 years old, and had accumulated 7,932.41 total flying hours, with 15.3 hours on type. The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was certified on 17 November 2006 at 3,073.96 airframe hours; the aircraft had flown an additional 63 hours since that inspection.
Probable Cause
Probable cause was not determined by the reporting authority; it is to be determined by the state of occurrence as stipulated in ICAO Annex 13, Chapter 5, paragraph 5.1.