History of Flight
On 23 October 2008, a Beechcraft Baron 58, registered ZS-NAB, operated by Gavil Air Services (Pty) Ltd., departed Lanseria Aerodrome (FALA) at approximately 1430Z under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) with a pilot and four passengers. The flight to Kruger Park Gateway Phalaborwa Aerodrome (FAPH) was uneventful, lasting about 1.6 hours. After landing on Runway 19, the pilot taxied to the apron, shut down the engines, and the passengers disembarked. The pilot prepared the aircraft for the return flight to Lanseria; no fuel was added. Due to a lack of prior landing approval, the pilot was required to pay a penalty before departure.
At approximately 1641Z, in night conditions, the pilot started the engines, taxied to the threshold of Runway 19, and took off in a southerly direction. The aircraft made a right turn and proceeded on a right-hand circuit, indicating an intention to return to the aerodrome. During the downwind leg, the aircraft was west of the aerodrome over the Phalaborwa central business district. An eyewitness reported hearing a noise resembling a rough-running engine. At an altitude of about 776 metres, the aircraft began a high-rate descent. At approximately 657 metres, it entered a right-hand turn and impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude, striking a tree before hitting the ground. A post-impact fire erupted. Emergency services responded, and the pilot was found fatally injured in the wreckage.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. Minor fire damage to vegetation occurred.
Investigation
On-site investigation revealed that the right-side propeller was feathered, indicating the right engine had been shut down prior to impact. No evidence of mechanical failure was found in the engine remains. The aircraft's GPS data showed the takeoff and circuit path. The pilot held a commercial pilot licence with a Beechcraft Baron 58 type endorsement, an instrument rating, and a night rating. His total flying experience was 1140 hours, with 15 hours on type. No previous accidents were recorded.
Probable Cause
The pilot lost situational awareness while positioning the aircraft to return for landing on Runway 19, and the aircraft entered a spiral dive from which recovery could not be effected within the remaining height.