Accident Details
On 23 November 2023, at approximately 0800Z, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration ZS-EIX) departed from Piet Retief Airport, South Africa, for a LiDAR survey flight over a forest plantation in Lundzi, Mhlambanyatsi, Hhohho Region, Eswatini. The aircraft was operated by Aviation @Work (Pty) Ltd and carried one pilot and one passenger. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules in visual meteorological conditions.
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot heard a loud bang and observed a piece of the left side engine cowling tear away. The cockpit filled with dark smoke, the aircraft shook violently, oil pressure dropped sharply, and oil temperature increased slowly. The windshield became completely covered in oil.
Emergency Landing
At 0754Z, the pilot transmitted a Mayday call to Sikhuphe Approach Control on frequency 128.0 MHz. Clearance was received for a forced landing at FDMS, 17 nautical miles east of the flight path. Due to altitude loss, the pilot sought a suitable alternative landing site. A small road within the plantation was selected. The aircraft touched down successfully on the road, and the pilot applied heavy brakes due to limited remaining road distance. At a left bend, the aircraft veered off the right side, striking tree stumps, losing the left main landing gear, and impacting the ground nose-first before coming to rest facing west. Smoke and small flames emanated from the engine. The pilot shut down all systems, and both occupants evacuated through the starboard side door. The flames spread, engulfing the fuselage and destroying the aircraft.
Investigation Progress
The Eswatini Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Department (AAIID) is leading the investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot License with instrument rating (original issue 12 July 2006, renewal 25 June 2023) and a valid medical certificate (issued 30 August 2023, expiring 31 August 2023). The pilot had 3,576.6 total flying hours, with 23.7 hours on type. Blood toxicology showed no intoxicating substances. The aircraft was equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey equipment, and its engine had an overhaul completed on 22 June 2023. The investigation is ongoing; no safety recommendations have been issued.