On September 22, 1972, a Volpar Turboliner 18 (registration ZS-PRA) operated by United Air was involved in an aviation accident near Johannesburg, South Africa during takeoff. 3 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft experienced an in-flight explosion shortly after departing Johannesburg, resulting in a fatal crash north of the airport.
What happened
Shortly after departing from Johannesburg-Jan Smuts Airport, a twin engine airplane entered a climb before experiencing a sudden mid-air explosion. The aircraft subsequently descended and impacted the ground in flames, approximately 12 km north of the airfield.
There were three fatalities resulting from the accident, as all occupants on board were killed during the event. The incident occurred during the initial climb phase of the flight.
Findings
The investigation into the crash is centered on the cause of the mid-air explosion that occurred while the aircraft was ascending.
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