What happened
On 12 February 2021, an AL-60C-M4 Kudu, registration ZS-WWO, departed from Carletonville Aerodrome (FACR) for a parachute dropping operation. The aircraft was carrying a pilot-in-command, a safety pilot, and six skydivers. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing at approximately 250 feet above ground level, the aircraft began to lose altitude.
During the descent, the safety pilot attempted to restore power by engaging the isolator switch and adjusting the fuel condition lever. However, the aircraft continued to sink, eventually impacting the ground near the south-side runway threshold. The impact sequence involved the right main landing gear, followed by the left main gear and the left wing, causing the aircraft to spin clockwise. While the pilots sustained minor injuries, the six skydivers suffered serious injuries.