History of Flight
On 27 August 2007, at approximately 1620Z, the pilot departed from Lanseria International Aerodrome (FALA) for circuit practice at night as part of recurrent training to maintain his night rating. During the final approach of the first circuit, the pilot flew a low approach and collided with high tension power lines located 2 nautical miles short of the threshold of Runway 24R. The accident occurred in fine weather conditions.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA28R-180, registration ZS-FTT, serial number 28R-30928, manufactured in 1968. It was equipped with a Lycoming IO-360-BLE engine and a Hartzell HC-C27K-1BF propeller. The aircraft had a total airframe time of 2198.25 hours at the time of the accident. According to available records, the aircraft was correctly maintained.
The pilot, a 49-year-old male with a South African private pilot license, held a valid night rating and a valid, unrestricted medical certificate. He had accumulated 416.05 total flying hours, including 62.75 hours on type, with 45.75 hours in the past 90 days.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, the wind was from 210° at 7 knots, temperature 20°C, visibility greater than 10 km, no cloud cover, and unknown dew point. A cold front extending over the region brought strong westerly winds but no clouds or precipitation. Upper air analysis indicated a strong zonal flow with winds of 45 knots at 700 hPa and 55 knots at 500 hPa.
Impact and Damage
The aircraft collided with high tension power lines while established in a descent on final approach to Runway 24R. The impact severed several power lines and caused an ensuing fire that destroyed the aircraft. The empennage separated from the airframe at the point of collision and was not consumed by the fire. The accident was captured by an apron video camera, which recorded the flash of the electrical conductors at 16:30:43. A veld fire started shortly after. The magnitude of the impact and fire rendered the accident non-survivable.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official report, is that the pilot was low on the approach for landing and collided with high tension wires.