What happened
On 8 February 2011, a Pilatus PC-12/47, registration ZS-GAA, departed Queenstown Aerodrome (FAQT) for Plettenberg Bay Aerodrome (FAPG) under an instrument flight plan. The aircraft was operating under Part 91 regulations and was carrying two crew members and seven passengers.
During the flight, the aircraft disappeared from secondary surveillance radar at approximately 1433Z. While a passenger had reportedly called a relative at 1432Z suggesting a diversion to George, radar data indicated the aircraft was still on an approach toward Pletlagtenberg Bay. The aircraft subsequently impacted the sea approximately 1,000 meters offshore, west of the Robberg Nature Reserve. All 9 fatalities were confirmed, as all occupants perished in the impact.
The investigation
An official search and rescue operation was initiated by the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) following the aircraft's disappearance. Initial land-based searches in the Robberg Nature Reserve were hampered by dense fog and nightfall. The following morning, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) conducted sea searches, recovering light debris along the shoreline.
On 11 February 2011, the South African Navy utilized side-scan sonar to locate the wreckage on the seabed at depths between 28 and 35 meters. Investigators also reviewed radar footage from a Cessna Citation that had landed at the same destination hours earlier. That crew reported significant visibility issues due to low clouds and rain, necessitating a go-around, which provided context for the weather conditions facing ZS-GAA.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) characterized by overcast skies, a low cloud base of 200 feet, and dense fog.
- The aircraft crashed into the sea following a possible in-flight upset.
- The investigation identified a loss of control during the flight as the primary factor leading to the accident.