What happened
On the evening of 1 November 2024, a Jabiru J170 aircraft, registration ZU-IBE, departed Rhino Park Aerodrome for a night training flight. The crew, consisting of a flight instructor and a pilot working toward a night rating, intended to perform aerial work before proceeding to Witbank and Wonderboom Aerodromes.
During the flight, the pilot began experiencing engine irregularities. At approximately 1728Z, the pilot sent a WhatsApp message to a flight instructor at home, noting a potential magneto failure. By 1741Z, the pilot contacted air traffic control at Wonderboom Aerodrome to declare a MAYDAY, reporting a rough-running engine and requesting assistance for a landing on Runway 29.
Despite the emergency response being activated, the aircraft was unable to reach the airfield. While attempting a forced landing within a private game reserve, the aircraft struck high-tension powerlines. The impact triggered a massive fire fueled by the aircraft's fuel supply. The two fatalities occurred as the aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact blaze.
The investigation
An investigator from the SACAA AIID was dispatched to the crash site near Cullinan to examine the wreckage and circumstances. The investigation reviewed radio communications between the pilot and air traffic control, which confirmed the engine was running erratically prior to the loss of contact.
Investigators also examined the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the last inspection had been completed in October 2024. The investigation reviewed the flight path via GPS coordinates and Flightradar24 data, as well as witness accounts from residents in the game reserve who observed the low-flying aircraft and the subsequent electrical failure in the area caused by the damaged power pylons.