Cessna 182P Mountain Collision in South Africa (ZS-NOY)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 22 August 2013, a Cessna 182P with registration ZS-NOY departed from Polokwane aerodrome (FAPP) in Limpopo province, South Africa. The aircraft was operating as a private scenic flight, with the intended next point of landing being Kitty Hawk aerodrome (FAKT) in Gauteng province. The flight was part of a larger group of three Cessna 182 aircraft traveling in a loose formation. The pilot flying was seated in the left seat, and the aircraft was leading the formation. After passing Lydenpoort Dam, the aircraft routed southbound via the escarpment. A witness, who was a pilot in one of the other aircraft in the formation, reported that ZS-NOY diverted from the planned route and entered a valley at low level in an easterly direction. The aircraft was subsequently observed executing a 180-degree turn to the left, likely to avoid rising terrain, before colliding with high ground in a nose-low attitude. The accident site was located in the Blyde River Canyon National Park mountains at GPS coordinates S 24° 40.75' E 030° 54.21', at an elevation of approximately 5,200 feet above mean sea level. The investigation revealed that the aircraft suffered severe mountain wave turbulence and downflowing air in the area prior to the collision. The aircraft was destroyed by impact, and both occupants were fatally injured. No fire was reported. The other two aircraft in the formation diverted to Hoedspruit Civil aerodrome and landed safely. The pilot flying communicated his intention to execute a 180-degree turn via the Lowveld radio frequency (119.0 MHz) due to a high mountain peak ahead of the flight path. The aircraft was fueled with 182 liters of Avgas LL 100 prior to departure, and a preflight inspection was conducted. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time of the accident.