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Engine failure leads to crash landing near Bloemfontein (6816)

Bloemfontein, South AfricaTakeoff (climb)

On May 6, 1994, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 6816) operated by South African Air Force - SAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Bloemfontein, South Africa during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft suffered an engine failure during the initial climb phase following takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An aircraft experienced engine issues shortly after departing Bloemfontein, resulting in a crash landing at Bloemspruit.

What happened

Following its departure from Bloemfontein, the aircraft experienced mechanical difficulties related to its engine. As the engine problems developed, the plane was unable to maintain its altitude and began to lose height. The descent concluded with a crash landing in the Bloemspruit area, located south of the departure airport.

Findings

  • The aircraft was unable to sustain flight due to engine problems.
  • The incident resulted in zero fatalities as both pilots were successfully rescued from the wreckage.
  • The aircraft sustained damage so severe that it was declared a total loss.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered an engine failure during the initial climb phase following takeoff.

Related events

Same operator

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