No fatalities

Engine failure leads to aircraft crash at Grand Central Airport (ZS-HMR)

Grand Central (Midrand), South AfricaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 13, 1974, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration ZS-HMR) operated by Private South Africa was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Central (Midrand), South Africa during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during the final approach, causing a loss of airspeed and a subsequent stall. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an engine malfunction during its final approach to Grand Central Airport, resulting in a stall and subsequent crash.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight into Grand Central Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power due to an engine failure. As the propulsion system ceased to function correctly, the aircraft's airspeed decreased significantly, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The descent continued until the plane impacted the ground short of the runway threshold.

As a result of the impact, the aircraft was completely destroyed. There were two occupants on board the aircraft at the time of the accident, and both sustained injuries during the crash event.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was an engine failure occurring while the aircraft was configured for landing.

Probable cause

The engine failed during the final approach, causing a loss of airspeed and a subsequent stall.