Fatal Beechcraft B36TC Accident at Kimberley Aerodrome (ZS-SVM)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On 3 March 2009, a Beechcraft B36TC with registration ZS-SVM departed from Kimberley Aerodrome in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, for a private flight to Ladysmith Aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal. The aircraft was operated by S. de Jager and carried two occupants: the pilot-in-command and one passenger. The accident occurred at approximately 0410Z (Coordinated Universal Time) shortly after takeoff. ## Sequence of Events and Impact During the takeoff roll, the aircraft was observed performing abnormal maneuvers before nose-diving into the ground. The aircraft struck the terrain approximately 50 meters beyond the threshold of Runway 10 in a nose-down and left-wing-low attitude. The tail section contacted the airport perimeter fence, causing minor damage to the fence and surrounding vegetation. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-impact fire, with no indications of an in-flight fire. ## Personnel and Injuries The pilot-in-command was a 58-year-old South African male holding a valid private pilot license. He had a total of 1,070.9 flying hours, with 8.6 hours on type. The passenger sustained burn injuries and died at the scene. The pilot escaped the wreckage but died on 18 March 2009 from complications due to multiple injuries. ## Investigation Findings The investigation revealed no technical defects that could have caused the crash. Engine and propeller examinations found no mechanical failures. The probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed after the engine failed as a result of an over-rich mixture setting. The aircraft was correctly maintained and airworthy at the time of the accident.