History of Flight
The aircraft, a Cessna 182Q registered ZS-NLL, departed Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) on a private flight to Kriel Aerodrome (FAKL) at approximately 1100Z on 21 June 2013. The pilot-in-command (PIC) occupied the left front seat, and a pilot-not-flying (PNF) occupied the right front seat, handling radio communications. Two passengers were seated in the rear. The aircraft carried laptops, electronic equipment, and medical supplies.
Air traffic control (ATC) cleared the aircraft for take-off on runway 35. According to ATC, the take-off roll was unusually long—estimated at about 1000 meters—and the nose pitched up without a positive climb. ATC contacted the pilots, who reported everything normal. ATC also warned of high-tension power lines approximately 50 feet high crossing the take-off path. The pilots did not acknowledge. Shortly after, ATC observed the left wing drop suddenly, and the aircraft disappeared behind trees. The crash alarm was activated.
An airline pilot watching from the aerodrome restaurant noted the extended take-off roll (900–1000 meters) and a poor rate of climb after liftoff. He saw flaps set at 10° and expected the aircraft to hit trees. He later followed fire vehicles to the wreckage.
A witness working on a nearby mine dump saw the aircraft flying low with wings rocking, then a wing drop and impact. He rushed to assist and emergency services were called.
Paramedics found the two front-seat occupants alive but seriously injured; they were airlifted to hospitals. The two rear-seat occupants perished.
Post-accident interviews with the pilots revealed no memory of the flight.
The accident occurred in daylight at coordinates 26°13'37.55"S 028°08'36.03"E, elevation 5448 ft AMSL, 0.65 nautical miles from the threshold of runway 17 at FAGM.
Injuries
Two front-seat occupants (the pilots) sustained serious injuries. The two rear-seat occupants died. No other injuries were reported.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained extensive damage during the impact sequence.
Personnel Information
The PIC, aged 48, held a valid private pilot licence (aeroplane) and a private pilot licence (helicopter). His total aeroplane flying experience was 65.8 hours, including 11.8 hours on type. He had 196.5 helicopter hours. His last type familiarisation on the Cessna 182 was completed on 25 November 2012. The PNF's details were not provided in the source.
Both pilots were interviewed after recovering from their injuries but had no recollection of the accident.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was a failure to maintain flying speed, which caused the aircraft to stall at an altitude that precluded recovery before it impacted with the ground.