What happened
On the morning of 4 March 2021, a Cessna 182E Skylane, registration ZS-CUU, departed Tzaneen Aerodrome in Limpopo Province for a private flight to Nelspruit Aerodrome. The flight began under visual meteorological conditions, with the pilot performing standard pre-flight procedures before taking off from Runway 06.
During the flight, the pilot contacted Lowveld controller to report a medical emergency, stating he was experiencing chest pains and requested an immediate diversion to the nearest aerodrome. The pilot also contacted a business contact via mobile phone to report his deteriorating health. Shortly after, the pilot issued a triple MAYDAY call, reporting that he was unable to see the aircraft's instruments. Radar tracking indicated the aircraft was losing altitude while traversing the Mariepskop Mountain range. At 0754Z, the aircraft struck the peak of Mariepskop Mountain, resulting in the fatal death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the aircraft's engine was under power at the moment of impact, evidenced by the condition of the propeller and crankshaft. An eyewitness near the site observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude before a loud bang and subsequent fire occurred.
Medical and pathological examinations were conducted to determine the cause of the pilot's sudden medical distress. While the pilot's medical certificate included protocols for managing hypertension and diabetes, investigators could not definitively link these conditions to the specific cause of the in-flight emergency through toxicology or post-mortem results.