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Left Engine Failure During Climb Leads to Crash at Pretoria-Wonderboom (ZS-LUI)

Pretoria-Wonderboom, South AfricaTakeoff (climb)

On June 21, 1991, a Cessna 404 Titan (registration ZS-LUI) operated by AOC Survey was involved in an aviation accident near Pretoria-Wonderboom, South Africa during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine during initial climb for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed after the left engine failed during initial climb, striking a tree and bursting into flames. Two occupants died, two were injured.

Accident

A twin-engine aircraft conducting a survey mission experienced a left engine failure shortly after takeoff from Pretoria-Wonderboom Airport. The flight had just completed a 4-hour-10-minute survey and had been refueled before departing. During the initial climb, the left engine lost power. The pilot decided to return to the airport, but the aircraft lost altitude, struck a tree, and crashed. The impact ignited a fire that engulfed the wreckage. Two occupants were killed, and two others sustained injuries.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a failure of the left engine during initial climb for unknown reasons.

Engine failure

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