History of Flight
On Sunday afternoon, 21 April 2024, a pilot and two passengers boarded a Cessna 172RG aircraft (registration ZS-KNE) at Nelspruit Airfield (FANS) in Mpumalanga province for a flight to Witbank Airfield (FAWI). The flight was uneventful. After landing at FAWI, one passenger disembarked, and two additional passengers boarded. The aircraft was intended for a local area flight with a return to FANS, conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.
Eyewitnesses reported that during takeoff on Runway 22, the aircraft struggled to accelerate and rotated near the end of the runway. During the climb, the right wing dropped slightly, followed by the left wing. The aircraft then assumed a nose-down attitude and impacted the ground at Blesbok Coal Mine, approximately 582 meters from the runway threshold. Black smoke was observed shortly after impact.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries. A third passenger sustained serious burn injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on 30 April 2024.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed by post-impact fire and a fuel-fed fire.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172RG, registration ZS-KNE, of South African nationality. The operator was Kishugu Aviation. The flight was a private operation under Part 91.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was at Blesbok Coal Mine, approximately 582 meters from the threshold of Runway 22 at Witbank Airfield. The aircraft impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude.
Fire
A post-impact fire occurred, fueled by aircraft fuel, which destroyed the aircraft.
Investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority's Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) has initiated an investigation. This preliminary report is based on initial information and may be revised as the investigation progresses.