History of Flight
On 26 December 2007, at 0645Z, a Cessna T210N aircraft, registration ZS-NGU, departed from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) on a visual flight rules (VFR) private flight to Jeffreys Bay. The pilot was the sole occupant. When the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination, the pilot's family contacted Air Traffic Control Services. The aircraft was officially reported missing at 0953Z, and the South African Search and Rescue (SASAR) initiated an intensive aerial and ground search. Radar waypoints indicated the pilot had backtracked at times and disappeared in the Baviaanskloof area. The search continued until 04 January 2008, after which the family contracted a helicopter and pilot to continue. The wreckage was found on 05 January 2008 on the top slope of a mountain near Baviaanskloof.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather information from the South African Weather Services indicated conditions in the accident vicinity: wind from 180° at 5 knots, temperature 21°C, dew point 20°C, visibility 50 meters, with overcast cloud and mist. A low pressure system southeast of the country and a high pressure west of it caused an onshore flow of moist air, resulting in cloudy conditions with fog and very low cloud over the mountains.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft wreckage was located on a mountain in Baviaanskloof at GPS coordinates S33°380'78" E023°440'458", approximately 4300 feet AMSL. The impact and destruction indicated the aircraft struck the slope during straight and level flight. There was no evidence of in-flight breakup or component separation prior to impact. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire. Evidence suggested the aircraft was loaded within mass and balance limits, and no anomalies were found in maintenance records.
Probable Cause
The pilot encountered Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and subsequently impacted with the top of the mountain.