No fatalities

Single-engine aircraft crash landing due to engine failure at takeoff (ZS-AFN)

Baragwanath, South AfricaTakeoff (climb)

On April 7, 1935, a De Havilland DH.85 Leopard Moth (registration ZS-AFN) operated by Johannesburg Light Plane Club was involved in an aviation accident near Baragwanath, South Africa during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-pilot aircraft suffered an engine failure immediately after lift-off, resulting in a crash landing that caused substantial damage and one injury.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the aircraft experienced a total loss of power due to an engine malfunction. With no thrust available to maintain altitude or speed, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing in nearby terrain. The impact resulted in the airframe being destroyed beyond repair. As the sole occupant on board, the pilot sustained injuries during the crash sequence.

Findings

The official investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was the mechanical failure of the engine at the moment of departure. This loss of propulsion prevented the aircraft from achieving safe flight parameters, necessitating the immediate landing attempt that resulted in the structural damage and personal injury.

Probable cause

Engine failure during takeoff