History of Flight
On Friday, 10 October 2025, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration ZS-FTS, departed on a cross-country hour-building flight from Lanseria International Airport (FALA) in Gauteng province with the intention to return to the same airport. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions by day in accordance with Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011. The aircraft had two persons on board: a pilot and a passenger, both holding Private Pilot Licences.
According to the aircraft owner, the pilot had hired the aircraft to accumulate flight hours toward obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence. The planned route included a stop at Vereeniging Airfield (FAVV) and then Rustenburg Airfield (FARG) for refueling. At Rustenburg, a fuel invoice showed that 94.62 litres of Avgas LL100 were uplifted. The aircraft then took off from Rustenburg and proceeded to Pilanesberg International Airport (FAPN), where the pilot performed a touch-and-go landing on Runway 23.
An eyewitness reported that shortly after take-off from FAPN, the aircraft executed a 180-degree turn to the right. Another eyewitness at the Predators World wildlife sanctuary saw the aircraft approaching at approximately 500 feet above ground level. Seconds later, the engine spluttered before it stopped. The aircraft then impacted a tree and burst into flames approximately 1.6 kilometres south of FAPN.
Injuries and Damage
The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fuel-fed fire. The occupants sustained serious burn injuries; they were transported by ambulance to Medicare Hospital in Rustenburg for medical treatment. The pilot succumbed to his injuries one day after the accident. The passenger remained in the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee with registration ZS-FTS. It was operated by Vulcan Aviation on a private flight under Part 91.
Investigation
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority was notified and classified the occurrence as a Category 1 accident. An investigator-in-charge was appointed to conduct an on-site investigation. Notifications were sent to the State of Registry, Operator, Design and Manufacturer in accordance with CAR 2011 Part 12 and ICAO Annex 13. The States did not appoint an accredited representative or advisor. The AIID will lead the investigation and issue a final report. This preliminary report is based on information gathered during the ongoing investigation and may be updated.
Additional Details
The accident occurred on the border of the Predator World wildlife sanctuary near FAPN, North West province, on 10 October 2025 at 1015Z. The operator was Vulcan Aviation. The aircraft nationality is Indian. No further details regarding weather, ATC involvement, or cause were provided in the preliminary report.