What happened
On 21 June 2013, a Cessna 182Q, registration ZS-NLL, departed Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) for a private flight to Kriel aerodrome. The aircraft was carrying a pilot, a co-pilot, and two passengers, along with various medical and electronic equipment. During the takeoff roll on runway 3 and 5, air traffic control (ATC) observed an unusually long ground roll, estimated at approximately 1000 meters.
Despite the extended roll, the pilot responded to an inquiry from ATC stating that operations appeared normal. ATC even warned the crew of high-tension power lines crossing the flight path near the Germiston golf course. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft struggled to climb and maintained a very low airspeed. Witnesses observed the left wing drop suddenly before the aircraft disappeared behind a treeline. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain on an old mine dump, resulting in two fatalities among the passengers and leaving the two crew members with serious injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's performance, weight, and mechanical condition. The investigation included a teardown of the Continental O-470-U engine, which revealed no mechanical failures that would have prevented normal operation prior to the crash. The propeller was found to have sheared from the crankshaft due to the force of the impact.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's experience and the aircraft's loading. The pilot had relatively limited experience on this specific type, with only 11.8 hours logged. Furthermore, the investigation established that the aircraft was operating significantly above its certified limits.