Preliminary report for aeroplane crash released
The aircraft was destroyed in a fire after the emergency landing. Most of the components of the aircraft survived the crash, making it easier for investigators to probe the causes.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has released the preliminary report of the Cessna aircraft that crashed in the Thulisa Park area in October.
The incident happened as the aircraft was en route to Rand Airport when it experienced engine problems and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing after realising he won’t make it to the safety of the runway.
The pilot and passenger were both injured in the crash with mild to serious burn wounds.
The report from SACAA stated the plane was recently bought by the pilot and was on a delivery flight from Lanseria International Airport to Rand Airport when the engine controls stopped responding to the pilot’s commands.
At that stage after doing all his checks, the pilot opted for an emergency landing in a veld as he deemed an emergency landing on the road to be too dangerous.
The aircraft was destroyed in a fire after the emergency landing.
Most of the components of the aircraft survived the crash, making it easier for investigators to probe the causes.
When investigators took a closer look at the engine, they noticed that a cable that controls the aircraft’s throttle was missing, which corresponded with the pilot’s story of not being able to control the engine.
The matter is still under investigation by the SACAA.