Mid-air collision near Pretoria involving two aircraft

8 fatalities • Pretoria, South Africa • Landing (descent or approach)

A mid-air collision between a twin-engine airplane and a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain resulted in the deaths of all 13 people on board.

What happened

During an approach to Waterkloof Air Force Base, a twin-engine aircraft was descending after completing a flight from Windhoek. During this descent, the plane struck another aircraft, a Bon Air Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain with registration ZS-KTX, which was in the process of approaching Pretoria-Wonderboom Airport. The ZS-KTX was carrying five individuals at the time of the incident.

Following the impact, both aircraft entered a downward dive. The wreckage of both planes came to rest in an area situated between the districts of Laudium and Erasmia, located southeast of Pretoria. The accident resulted in 13 fatalities, as there were no survivors from either aircraft.

Findings

  • The collision occurred while one aircraft was descending toward Waterkloof AFB and the other was approaching Pretoria-Wonderboom Airport.
  • Both aircraft were destroyed upon impact with the ground.

Probable cause

A mid-air collision between two aircraft during their approach phases.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1982-07-14 Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV accident near Pretoria, South Africa?

A mid-air collision between a twin-engine airplane and a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain resulted in the deaths of all 13 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1982-07-14 Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1982-07-14 involved a Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV, registration ZS-JLZ, operated by South African Air Force - SAAF, at Pretoria, South Africa.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A mid-air collision between two aircraft during their approach phases.

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