On Tuesday morning, the report on the fatal crash of a SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) shows “damning evidence of negligence”. The report was released by the transport minister, Fikile Mbalula.
In January 2020, the captain, Thabiso Tolo, first officer Tebogo Lekalakala and flight inspector Gugu Comfort Mnguni were all on board when the Cessna crashed into the Outeniqua Mountains near George. All three sadly lost their lives.
The aircraft’s airworthiness certificate was invalid
According to the report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AIIB), the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate was last reissued in 2019. Thus, this meant that the certificate was invalid when the aircraft crashed.
The report further shows that the same aircraft experienced three other incidents prior to 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.
The plane was not cleared for landing
The report also stated that, on the day of the crash, 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.”
Transport minister Mbalula commented that the purpose of the report was not to place blame but to prevent further accidents. However, in the case where negligence is found, action will be taken.
Read the full report here.