Independent probe into plane crash

FOLLOWING a preliminary report into a deadly plane crash last month, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced an independent inquiry.

Three people were killed after a SA Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) inspection unit aircraft crashed in a mountainous area between Mossel Bay and Great Brak River near George on January 23.

Industry professionals and the families of the deceased questioned how the Sacaa could investigate itself, citing a conflict of interest.

Mbalula said he was mindful of the families’ concerns.

“Having considered the preliminary report, I have deemed it appropriate and directed that an independent inquiry be undertaken, considering that the aircraft belonged to Sacaa and in order to be compliant with the legal principle of nemo iudex in re sua causa (no one is a judge in their own case),” Mbalula said.

The preliminary report found that the aircraft had experienced three troubles over the past 12 months. In March last year engine one’s throttle did not respond due to a damaged throttle cable.

In November, the aircraft recorded two incidents: an oil smell and smoke in the cockpit that resulted in the operator and approved maintenance organisation changing engine one. Following the incident, the aircraft remained on the ground until January 17.

The SA Weather Service said the mountaintops were obscured by clouds at the time of the accident.

The report also found that the emergency locator transmitter did not transmit a signal following the accident. The transmitter could not be found.

The last scheduled inspection was carried out on August 13; there was no unscheduled maintenance during the inspection. The aircraft accumulated 75 airframe hours in operation since this last maintenance check.