What happened
On the morning of 12 September 2012, a Beech Baron 58P, registration ZS-KMS, was preparing for a private flight from Pietermaritzburg Airport to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. The flight was being conducted under Instrument Flight Rules during a period of heavy fog, which had reduced visibility to just 200 meters.
During the takeoff roll on runway 16, the pilot noted an audible warning that was interpreted as a turbo over-boost indication, though all other instruments appeared normal. After the aircraft became airborne, the pilot retracted the landing gear at approximately 300 feet above ground level. Immediately following this action, the aircraft's airspeed began to drop, and it could not maintain altitude. The aircraft subsequently struck a steel pole, which severed the right wing, and skidded approximately 130 meters through an open field before coming to rest. Despite the substantial damage to the aircraft, all three occupants escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's engine monitoring systems. Analysis of the EDM-760 monitor confirmed that both engines were operating normally and producing significant power up until the moment of impact. The investigation found that the flight control cables were intact and no mechanical failures or structural deficiencies were present prior to the collision with the steel pole. The investigation also noted that the landing gear lever was found in the up position, but still in transit, and the flaps were in the up position.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid commercial pilot license with the appropriate type ratings.
- The aircraft maintained a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and was properly maintained.
- Weather conditions were poor, characterized by fog and low visibility.
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot failed to maintain flying speed, leading to a stall.
- A significant contributing factor was the premature retraction of the undercarriage, which increased aerodynamic drag and made the loss of altitude inevitable.