What happened
On 26 March 2016, a Cessna T206H, registration ZS-DOM, was performing a landing approach at a private farm airstrip in the Timbavati private nature reserve, Mpumalanga. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers. During the final approach, the pilot became briefly distracted and realized the aircraft was too high for a safe touchdown. In an attempt to correct the glide path, the pilot significantly reduced engine power to induce a steeper descent.
As the aircraft continued toward the runway, the pilot realized the plane was too far down the strip to land safely. An immediate go-around was initiated at a low altitude. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost sufficient airspeed and entered a stall. The pilot attempted to pull back on the controls to avoid hitting trees at the end of the runway, but this action increased the angle of attack, causing the aircraft to stall further and strike treetops. The aircraft impacted the ground in an inverted attitude, resulting in the destruction of the plane and serious injuries to all four occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the wreckage, maintenance records, and the pilot's flight experience. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was well-maintained, with all service bulletins complied with, and no mechanical defects were found. The pilot was fully licensed, medically fit, and possessed significant flying experience, including nearly 680 hours on this specific type.
Investigators analyzed the flight path and the pilot's decision-making process. It was established that the aircraft's engine was producing high power at the time of impact, consistent with the go-around attempt. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's configuration, noting that the pilot had retracted the flaps during the maneuver, which altered the aircraft's lift characteristics at a critical moment.