On July 16, 2013, a Partenavia P.68 (registration ZS-LSX) operated by Southern Mapping was involved in an aviation accident near Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, Malawi in flight. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft with two occupants made an emergency landing in an open field about 45 km southwest of Lilongwe, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the rescue of both occupants.
Incident Details
A twin-engine aircraft operating a flight from South Africa to Tanzania with intermediate stops in Tete and Lilongwe experienced engine problems en route. The aircraft was traveling to Dar es-Salaam to perform a Lidar (Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging) mission. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing in an open field.
Landing and Aftermath
Upon landing, the aircraft lost its tail and crash-landed approximately 45 km southwest of Lilongwe. Both the pilot and the single passenger were rescued. The aircraft was destroyed.
Occupants and Mission
The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger. The purpose of the flight was to conduct a Lidar mission in Dar es-Salaam.