History of Flight
On 21 July 2010, a Cessna 182 (registration ZS-RGN) departed Hoedspruit Civil Aerodrome early in the morning for a business trip to Nelspruit Aerodrome under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The outbound flight was uneventful. After refueling with Avgas LL 100, the pilot conducted a pre-flight inspection. The aircraft then taxied to the holding point where power and pre-departure checks were performed; the engine ran satisfactorily. Takeoff was normal. En route back to Hoedspruit, the pilot contacted Kruger Mpumalanga control tower, reporting his position and requesting climb to 5500 ft AMSL. The controller advised him to climb to 4500 ft, stay west of Legogot Mountain and the R40 road. Later, the pilot was cleared to 5500 ft and told to contact LASS. No further communications were received. Despite efforts to contact the aircraft via radio and telephone, there was no response. A search was initiated. Radar data showed the aircraft at 5500 ft descending to 4500 ft before disappearing from primary radar. The wreckage was located the same day by two search helicopters on Bakenkop Mountain, about 28 nautical miles south of Hoedspruit, at GPS coordinates S24°49.00' E030°55.53' at an elevation of approximately 4500 ft AMSL. The aircraft had collided with terrain.
Injuries to Persons
Both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed by the impact. The engine, propeller, tail section, wings, and undercarriage were all demolished. Both fuel tanks ruptured. There was no evidence of pre-impact fire, airframe failure, flight control issues, electrical problems, or power loss.
Meteorological Information
At the time, the surface wind was 170° at 9 knots, temperature 17°C, dew point 9°C. Satellite imagery indicated broken to overcast clouds. The nearest manned station reported a cloud base of 2000 ft AGL. Visibility was estimated above 10 km.
Wreckage Analysis
Examination showed the aircraft impacted at high speed and broke apart. The transponder was found inoperative. No defects were reported in the navigational equipment. The pilot held a private pilot license and was not IFR-rated. His total flying experience was approximately 420 hours.