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Cessna T210N Crash in South Africa: Student Pilot and Passenger Killed (ZS-KOM)

Oudtshoorn Military Area, ZA

On February 24, 2018, a Cessna T210N (registration ZS-KOM) was involved in an aviation accident near Oudtshoorn Military Area, ZA. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered IMC conditions; the pilot most likely became spatially disorientated and lost control of the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft suffered in flight break-up prior to impacting the ground in an inverted position. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna T210N (ZS-KOM) crashed in a restricted area near Oudtshoorn, South Africa, on 24 February 2018. The student pilot and passenger were killed after the aircraft broke up in flight following entry into instrument meteorological conditions.

Accident Overview and Flight History On 24 February 2018, a Cessna T210N Turbo Centurion II, registration ZS-KOM, departed Mossel Bay Aerodrome (FAMO) at approximately 1020Z for a private flight to Graaff-Reinet Aerodrome (FAGR). The aircraft was operated under Part 91 by Jangen Air Investments (Pty) Ltd. The pilot, a 73-year-old South African male, held a valid student pilot licence but was not instrument rated. He was accompanied by one passenger. The pilot did not file a flight plan prior to departure, though a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was created via radio communication with George Approach at 10:22:05Z. The aircraft was tracked on secondary surveillance radar until 10:47:14Z, when it was observed descending rapidly from 8,600 feet AMSL and disappeared from the radar screen. The aircraft had entered restricted area FAR47 at 1041Z while flying in a northerly direction. The search and rescue operation was activated at 1435Z after the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination. The wreckage was located the following morning at 0435Z by a helicopter crew, approximately 8 km (4.3 nm) north of Oudtshoorn Aerodrome (FAOH) within the restricted area. The aircraft was found destroyed and in an inverted attitude, with debris scattered over a large area indicating an in-flight break-up. The cockpit and cabin area were destroyed by post-impact fire. Both occupants were fatally injured. An eyewitness reported seeing the aircraft flying in and out of clouds in a westerly direction before losing sight of it. The weather at the time was overcast with light rain, with a cloud base between 2,500 and 3,000 feet AGL.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered IMC conditions; the pilot most likely became spatially disorientated and lost control of the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft suffered in flight break-up prior to impacting the ground in an inverted position.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Feb 2018 Cessna T210N accident near Oudtshoorn Military Area, ZA?

A Cessna T210N (ZS-KOM) crashed in a restricted area near Oudtshoorn, South Africa, on 24 February 2018. The student pilot and passenger were killed after the aircraft broke up in flight following entry into instrument meteorological conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Feb 2018 Cessna T210N accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Feb 2018 involved a Cessna T210N, registration ZS-KOM, at Oudtshoorn Military Area, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered IMC conditions; the pilot most likely became spatially disorientated and lost control of the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft suffered in flight break-up prior to impacting the ground in an inverted position.

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