What happened
On 24 February 2018, a Cessna T210N, registration ZS-KOM, departed Mossel Bay Aerodrome for Graaff-Reinet on a private flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot established radio contact with George Approach, requesting a climb to 5,500 feet. While navigating through the region, the aircraft entered a restricted military area (FAR47) near Oudtshoorn.
During the flight, the aircraft's altitude began to drop rapidly. Radar tracking showed the aircraft descending from 8,600 feet to below 7,100 feet in a matter of seconds before disappearing from secondary surveillance radar. Following a report from a family member that the aircraft had failed to arrive at its destination, a search and rescue operation was launched. The wreckage was discovered the following morning in dense vegetation, approximately 8 km north of Oudtshoorn Aerodrome. The aircraft was found destroyed and in an inverted position, with the impact having caused a post-impact fire. The two fatalities on board were the pilot and a passenger.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and radar data to reconstruct the accident sequence. The investigation established that the aircraft experienced an in-flight break-up, evidenced by debris such as the horizontal tail plane and parts of the wings being scattered over a wide area. Investigators also determined that the engine had ceased operating prior to impact due to fuel starvation, which occurred while the aircraft was flying in an inverted attitude.
Meteorological analysis revealed that the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), characterized by overcast skies, light rain, and fog. An eyewitness also reported seeing the aircraft flying in and out of clouds during the period in question. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that while the pilot held a valid student pilot licence, he was not instrument rated.
Findings
- The aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which likely led to the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation.
- This disorientation resulted in the loss of control and subsequent structural failure of the aircraft in flight.
- The aircraft's engine stopped running because fuel starvation occurred while the aircraft was flying upside down.
- The pilot was not qualified or instrument rated to operate the aircraft in IMC.