Beech Bonanza F33A Crash at Platberg Mountain (ZS-NAF)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 28 December 2009, a Beech Bonanza F33A, registration ZS-NAF, was destroyed in a controlled flight into terrain accident at Platberg Mountain in the Free State, South Africa. The aircraft was operating on a private instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Vereeniging Aerodrome (FAVV) to Margate Aerodrome (FAMG). The flight was uneventful until the pilot reported an electrical problem to Johannesburg East Information and requested to divert to Harrismith Aerodrome (FAHR). Approximately six minutes after the diversion request, the aircraft disappeared from the radar screen. The wreckage was located the same day at Platberg Mountain, 5.6 nautical miles east of Harrismith Aerodrome, at GPS coordinates S28°15.44 E029°13.34 and an elevation of 6,194 feet. All four occupants were fatally injured. ## Meteorological and Operational Conditions Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the time of the accident. The official weather report indicated a surface wind of 310° at 10 knots, visibility less than 1,000 meters, a temperature of 20°C, and broken clouds at 800 and 1,000 feet. The pilot, a 61-year-old South African private pilot, held a valid license with instrument and night ratings. His total flying experience was 1,228.1 hours, with approximately 959.9 hours on type. The aircraft was equipped with a KFC 200 autopilot and a 430 GNS GPS. ## Probable Cause and Contributory Factors The probable cause of the accident was that, during controlled flight, the aircraft crashed into terrain during instrument meteorological conditions. The undetermined electrical problem and loss of situational awareness were identified as contributory factors. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces, and no other damage was reported.