What happened
On the morning of 21 October 2008, a Piper PA32R-300, registration ZS-JZF, departed Rand Aerodrome for a planned flight to Ficksburg. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and five passengers. Shortly after takeoff from Runway 3 and following the retraction of the landing gear, the pilot initiated a left-hand turn toward the west. During this maneuver, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control to request an emergency landing.
Tragically, the aircraft lost altitude during the turn and struck a pile of rubble near the Wesbank Raceway area. The impact caused the nose wheel to break off, leading the aircraft to cartwheel before erupting into a massive fire. The intense flames destroyed the aircraft and caused 6 fatalities.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's engine components, specifically the turbochargers. While the engine disassembly showed no immediate mechanical failure that would prevent power delivery, specialized metallurgical analysis of the right-hand turbocharger revealed a pre-existing fracture in the exhaust outlet duct. This fracture was likely caused by long-term exposure to high-temperature exhaust gases, evidenced by discoloration and flaking.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's mass and balance records. The takeoff weight was calculated at approximately 3860.7 lbs, which significantly exceeded the maximum allowable takeoff weight of 3600 lbs.
Findings
- The aircraft was overloaded by approximately 260 lbs at the time of departure.
- The pilot was unable to maintain sufficient altitude following takeoff, likely due to the excess weight.
- A pre-existing fracture in the exhaust outlet duct of one turbocharger was present, which may have caused increased noise and exhaust fumes in the cockpit.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the high nose-up attitude was hindered by obstacles, including trees and high-tension wires, located ahead of the aircraft's flight path.