Occurrence
On Wednesday, 19 March 2025 at 1500Z, a Piper PA-60-600 Aerostar, registration ZS-NJD, operated by Twin City Development under Part 91 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations, departed from Bethlehem Aerodrome (FABM) in Free State province. The flight was intended to land at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) in Gauteng province. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and five passengers.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the aircraft had departed from FAWB earlier that morning with sufficient fuel for a round trip to FABM and back. The outbound flight to FABM was uneventful. Before the return leg, the pilot conducted a pre-flight inspection and found no defects. After boarding, the aircraft taxied to Runway 11 and held short. The pilot completed a standard engine run-up with all parameters within normal limits. Takeoff was commenced, and the aircraft rotated at 90 knots. Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot observed that the aircraft was not achieving the expected rate of climb, although it cleared the perimeter fence; airspeed decayed and altitude was lost. The pilot retracted the landing gear. Realizing the aircraft could not maintain altitude, the pilot scanned the surroundings and saw a line of tall trees ahead. To avoid a direct collision, the pilot initiated a slight left turn to align the aircraft with a gap between the trees. The aircraft then landed on its belly approximately 500 metres beyond Runway 11, slid about 250 metres on the ground, and impacted a small tree before stopping, facing south.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and five passengers were not injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the belly, propellers, and leading edges of the wings.
Investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority's Accident and Incident Investigations Division was notified and appointed an investigator-in-charge. The investigation is ongoing. This report is preliminary and may be updated.