Originally Posted by
Trossie
That crash site (as shown from GordonR_Cape's post) is a long way outside a right-hand circuit for the westerly runway! Handling must have been very difficult. There has been mention of 21degC and 4,100 ft elevation. With limited performance (on an aeroplane from an era when performance was not the same as expected now), the combination of 21C and 4,100 ft would be very significant.
Comments in the discussion on that link point out something crucial: The tracks into both the Wonderboom runways pass over densely populated suburban areas, whereas the crash location is a relatively sparsely built up patch. The suggestion is that the pilots tried to return, but the eventual loss of power forced them to ditch away from the airport.
The left engine did not fail instantaneously, as both propellers can be seen rotating in the takeoff video. What happened to the engine performance after that point should become clear during the inquiry.