‘Negligence’ behind fatal SA Civil Aviation Authority airplane crash
The report into the fatal crash of a Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) airplane contains damning evidence of negligence.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula released the report on Tuesday morning.
The captain, Thabiso Tolo, first officer Tebogo Lekalakala and flight inspector Gugu Comfort Mnguni were on board the Cessna when it crashed into the Outeniqua Mountains near George in January 2020.
The report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AIIB) found that the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate was last reissued in 2019, making it invalid at the time of the crash.
The report shows that the aircraft experienced three incidents before the fatal crash.
“The aircraft experienced three incidents in the past twelve months namely: On 2 March 2019, engine No 1 throttle did not respond due to a damaged throttle cable. In the month of November 2019, the aircraft had two incidents of an oil smell and smoke in the cockpit that resulted in the operator and AMO electing to change engine No 1. Following the incident of 8 November 2019, the aircraft remained on the ground until 17 January 2020,” the report says.
According to the report, the South African Weather Service showed that weather conditions were not conducive for landing.
“Based on the information provided by SAWS, at the time of the accident the mountain tops were obscured by clouds. At the time of approach to FAGG the weather condition around the area was inclement; therefore they were not cleared to conduct VOR calibration. As a result, they decided to land and refuel the aircraft before commencing with the calibration of the Instrument Landing System.”
Mbalula says while the purpose of the report was to prevent further accidents and not to apportion blame, action will be taken if negligence is found to have taken place.
