Private South African

Beechcraft 90 King Air

The private pilot was accompanied by his wife and his two daughters on a flight from Port Elizabeth to his farm in the Cradock district. On arrival at Cradock, the pilot apparently over-flew the runway for inspection and was on the downwind leg when the aircraft started to roll and yaw to the left. All engine indications were normal and the pilot had to decrease power on the right-hand engine in order to maintain control of the aircraft. With the reduction in power of the right-hand engine, the pilot was unable to maintain height and executed a forced landing on an open field. The aircraft was extensively damaged during the forced landing but no injuries were sustained. An on-site investigation was carried out on 24 December 2000 after which the aircraft was recovered to Lanseria aerodrome for further inspection. On inspection of the Left-hand propeller it was noted that the carbon block of the low pitch proximity sensor, which normally runs inside the Low-Pitch stop collar, was bent down at an angle, which would have rendered the secondary Low-Pitch stop inoperative. Due to the fact that the aircraft sustained damage to it's electronic circuitry it was not possible to verify the proper operation of the propeller pitch control system.

Cessna 414 Chancellor

En route from Gaborone to Maun, an oil leak occurred on the left engine. The pilot shut down the left engine and feathered its propeller. Unable to maintain a safe altitude, he elected to make an emergency landing but eventually crash landed in a wooded area located about 128 km southwest of Pandamatenga. All five occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed. It was reported that the left engine oil pressure dropped while its temperature increased.

Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain

Crashed in unknown circumstances in a mountainous area near Sabie. Occupant's fate unknown.

Piper PA-31-310 Navajo

Crashed in unknown circumstances, killing all five occupants.

Rockwell Grand Commander 690

The crew was in charge to deliver the aircraft in Europe and departed Windhoek bound for Abidjan. While cruising over the water, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances in the Atlantic Ocean. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found.

Rockwell Aero Commander 500

On final approach to Grand Central Airport, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. It lost speed, stalled and crashed short of runway threshold. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

De Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth

The single engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances near Baragwanath, Gauteng. Both passengers and the pilot O. H. James (aircraft's owner) were killed.

De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth

The pilot and his passengers were performing a local flight over the sea off East London. While flying around the hospital ship christened 'Gloucester Castle', the single engine aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea. While the pilot was rescued, both passengers were killed. Crew: R. A. K. Pohl, pilot. Passengers: Jack Dewar, G. J. LeGrange.

De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth

The aircraft christened 'Skylark' was owned by Godfrey C. Dalton. Shortly after takeoff from Johannesburg-Rand Airport, while climbing, the pilot and owner suffered a heart attack. The student pilot took over the control of the aircraft and turned over the region for about 35 minutes before trying to attempt an emergency landing. The single engine aircraft eventually crash landed in Rosherville, near the airport. While the student pilot was unhurt, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth

Crashed on landing at Karibib Airport. The pilot was slightly injured while the aircraft was destroyed by post crash fire. The aircraft was just bought by Mr. Weissner few days prior to the accident.