What happened
On the early morning of 3 February 2014, a Beechcraft C90GTx, registration ZS-CLT, departed Rand Airport for Lanseria International Airport. The flight, operated under Part 91 private regulations, was intended to clear customs for an upcoming business trip to Zambia.
During the approach to Runway 07, the pilot initially attempted a VOR Z approach but was forced to execute a go-around after failing to maintain the runway in sight. After being repositioned by radar controllers, the aircraft attempted a second approach. While descending, the pilot reported having the field in sight, but shortly after receiving landing clearance, the pilot indicated the runway was no longer visible.
Following a request to climb and divert, the pilot transmitted a distress message. Moments later, a loud explosion and black smoke were observed near the airport hangars. The aircraft had entered a vertical dive and crashed near Taxiway A. The crash resulted in 3 fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight path, cockpit communications, and meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's navigation systems, including its Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 glass cockpit and Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS).
Investigators analyzed the sequence of radio transmissions between the crew and Lanseria Tower, noting that the pilot had been repeating messages and struggling to maintain situational awareness during the approach. The investigation also looked into the weather conditions, which included low visibility of 800m and a cloud base of 800 feet AGL.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a stall which led to a loss of control.
- The pilot entered a vertical dive following the stall.
- Spatial disorientation during the missed approach contributed to the accident.
- Adverse weather conditions, characterized by low visibility and low cloud ceilings, played a significant role in the sequence of events.