What happened
On the afternoon of 21 February 2024, a De Havillable DH-82A, registered ZU-IUV, departed Rand Airport in Gauteng for a private flight. The aircraft was operated by Warne Aviation and carried a pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineer. The flight was intended to be a short trip returning to the same aerodrome under visual meteorological conditions.
Shortly after departing from Runway 35, the engine began running roughly. The pilot immediately declared an emergency. While air traffic control suggested a right-hand turn, the pilot opted for a left turn to avoid built-up residential areas, aiming to reach Runway 11. During this maneuver, the aircraft's airspeed dropped significantly, approaching the 45 mph red line, and the aircraft began losing altitude.
In an attempt to avoid obstacles, the pilot targeted an open area between the two runways. However, the aircraft overshot Runway 11 and came to a rest 150 meters past the runway edge after impacting a patch of grass. The impact caused substantial damage to the propeller, engine cowling, right wing, and the right undercarriage.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the aircraft had recently undergone maintenance, with only 1.8 hours flown since its last inspection. The pilot, an experienced professional holding an ATPL, had previously attempted to rectify engine roughness by cleaning spark plugs on the preceding day. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's radio had become unserviceable during the flight due to an accidental disconnection in the cockpit. The aircraft was found to have sustained significant structural damage upon impact, though the cabin remained intact, making the accident survivable.
Findings
- The primary factor in the loss of altitude and airspeed was the engine running rough during the initial climb.
- The pilot's decision to turn left was motivated by the need to avoid populated areas to the right.
- The aircraft's right undercarriage collapsed upon contact with the ground.
- Both occupants of the De Havilland DH-82A escaped without injury.