What happened
On the evening of 6 February 2014, a PA-25-260 aircraft, registration ZS-JTW, departed from Parys Aerodrome in the Free State for a night-time agricultural spraying mission. The pilot had completed pre-flight checks and loaded chemicals before taking off from Runway 06.
During the initial climb, at an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the aircraft encountered significant turbulence. As the aircraft climbed, the airspeed began to drop, leading to a loss of altitude. In an attempt to maintain control and avoid rising terrain, the pilot executed turns to the right and then to the left. Despite maintaining full throttle, the aircraft was unable to maintain flight and struck an open field roughly 800 meters from the runway threshold. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft was destroyed upon impact.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly maintained, with all mandatory periodic inspections up to date. The pilot was found to be properly rated, holding a valid commercial license and instrument rating, and was medically fit for the operation.
Analysis of the wreckage, specifically the propeller marks, indicated that the engine was producing power at the moment of impact. Meteorological data from the South African Weather Service confirmed that thunderstorm activity was present in the vicinity at the time of the accident. The investigation focused on how the sudden change in wind conditions affected the aircraft's flight path.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decay of airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- This loss of speed was driven by a high angle of attack during the climb.
- Thunderstorm activity at night acted as a significant contributory factor, likely introducing windshear or turbulence that disrupted the aircraft's stability.