History of Flight
On 28 June 2008 at approximately 15:21Z, ZS-KIA contacted Durban Approach reporting airborne from Pietermaritzburg Aerodrome en route to Grand Central Aerodrome in Gauteng. At 15:25Z, Durban Approach observed the aircraft flying south-westerly toward Durban harbour rather than north. After being advised of the correct heading, the aircraft began a right turn but was lost from radar at flight level 057, position S29°45.18 E030°37.53, 13 nautical miles south of Pietermaritzburg. Two witnesses reported hearing the aircraft but did not see the breakup.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot (female, age 53) and second occupant (male, age 57) sustained fatal injuries. No other persons were on board.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed on impact. The wreckage was scattered over approximately 730 metres, consisting of ten major sections including the main wreckage, wings, stabilator pieces, and other components. No pre-existing cracks or corrosion were found; all fractures were consistent with overload separations.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence with 375.5 total flying hours (218 on type). The second occupant also held a Private Pilot Licence with 665.9 total hours (279.9 on type). Both wore corrective lenses as per medical restrictions.
Aircraft Information
ZS-KIA was a Piper PA28-236 (serial 28-7911069) manufactured in 1978, with a Lycoming O-540-J3A5D engine and Hartzell propeller. Total airframe hours were 1897.25; last MPI was at 1870.90 hours on 15 November 2007. The Certificate of Airworthiness was valid until 11 May 2008.
Meteorological Information
Weather at the accident site was reported by the South African Weather Services: temperature 13°C, dew point 10°C, wind 130° true at 12 knots, broken cloud at 1500 ft, visibility 5–10 km. A cold front was present over KwaZulu-Natal.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The main wreckage was found in a burnt sugar cane field at S29°45.727 E30°38.073, elevation 2768 ft. The left wing failed between flap and aileron; the right wing outer section separated. The propeller blades separated from the engine; one blade was partially buried, the other bent backwards. No pre-impact engine abnormalities were detected that would indicate power loss. The debris trail extended 730 metres.
Medical and Pathological Information
Post-mortem examination of both pilots concluded the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. No blood or vitreous fluid was available for toxicology.
Probable Cause
The aircraft experienced an in-flight break-up due to aerodynamic overstress failure as a result of excessive speed.