What happened
On the morning of 21 October 2023, a Beechcraft Sundowner C23, registration ZS-JKE, departed Bram Fischer International Airport (FABL) for a cross-country flight toward Wonderboom Airport. The flight was being operated under visual flight rules by a pilot and a safety pilot.
Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was climbing at approximately 350 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a significant power loss, characterized by a decrease in RPM and rough running. In an attempt to manage the emergency, the safety pilot took control of the aircraft to perform a forced landing in a nearby open field. However, the aircraft lost altitude rapidly and struck the ground with significant force.
Upon impact, the aircraft spun 180 degrees and immediately burst into flames. While the safety pilot managed to exit the wreckage and was assisted to safety by a bystander, the pilot remained trapped. The intensity of the post-impact fire prevented rescue efforts, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.