Accident Overview
On 28 May 2011, at approximately 0901Z, a Cessna R182, registration ZS-KSZ, crashed at Blokkloof Farm near Koster in South Africa's Northwest Province. The aircraft was participating in the second day of the President's Trophy Air Race, a handicap event organized by the Beauchamp-Proctor Flying Club at Mafikeng International Airport.
Flight History
The flight departed Mafikeng International Airport around 0825Z on a planned 333.9-nautical-mile course. During the second leg, after passing a turning point at Morningside Farms, the aircraft was observed flying at low altitude up a valley. A witness pilot flying behind ZS-KSZ reported seeing the aircraft pitch up violently until nearly vertical, then enter a right-hand spiral dive before impacting the valley side and bursting into flames. A ground witness confirmed the aircraft struck high tension wires spanning the valley prior to the crash.
Aircraft and Occupants
The Cessna R182 (serial R182-01723) was a four-seat, single-engine monoplane manufactured in 1981, powered by a Lycoming O-540-J3C5D engine. The pilot, a 68-year-old male with a Private Pilot license and approximately 1,924 total flight hours, was flying with his 40-year-old son, who served as navigator and also held a Private Pilot license. Both were fatally injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire.
Environmental Conditions
Weather at the time was clear with 10 km visibility, wind from 360° at 8 knots, temperature 17°C, and no cloud cover. The accident site was at elevation 4,553 feet. The high tension earth wire sustained damage from the collision, and the surrounding veldt caught fire.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the aircraft collided with high tension wires, after which the pilot lost control and the aircraft impacted the ground. Low flying was listed as a contributory factor.