18 Jan,2023 Aircraft Accident Investigation Board

Based on Received Notification from South Africa:

“On 15 January 2023, an instructor pilot and student pilot on board a Piper Twin
Comanche aircraft with registration mark ZS-EAW, took-off from Grand Central
airport (FAGG), Midrand, Gauteng, province with intention to land in the same
airfield. This was a training flight conducted in visual meteorological condition
(VMC) under the provisions of Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Clear
weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

According to Air Traffic Controller on duty, the aircraft got airborne at

approximately 0520Z to conduct circuit training at the airfield. After flying for 30
minutes the pilot requested routing to the general flying area (GFA) for 15 min.
The pilot was handed over to Johannesburg special rules at 0550Z.

According to the eyewitness, he was attracted by unusual idling of the engine that
was going on and off and suddenly stopped. He then saw the aircraft coming
down in nose down attitude before disappearing behind the trees.
The aircraft was destroyed during impact and both occupants (Iranian and
Nepalese) were fatally injured.”

Hereby, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) of IR Iran CAA offers its
condolences to the families and loved ones of the pilots who perished in the
accident involving Training Flight in Gauteng province, South Africa.

Pursuant to international agreements (International Civil Aviation Organization -

Annex 13), the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AlID) of South Africa
is leading the investigation into the accident. In keeping with this agreement, by
virtue of fatality to an Iranian pilot, the AAIB appointed an expert who will receive
and review factual information released by the State of Occurrence, and monitor
the progress of the investigation and related evidences.

The Iran AAIB remains available to provide any technical assistance or information
requested by South African accident investigation authority.