No fatalities

Cessna 337 Engine Failure Forced Landing at Overberg (ZS-IDO)

Overberg (Flight Test and Development Center), ZA

On August 6, 2000, a Cessna 337 (registration ZS-IDO) was involved in an aviation accident near Overberg (Flight Test and Development Center), ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine seizure occurred as a result of No. 2 main bearing being starved of its oil supply, which resulted in bearing seizure with resultant engine damage. It was not possible to identify the initial failure or the cause thereof. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On 6 August 2000, a Cessna 337 (ZS-IDO) experienced rear engine oil pressure drop and vibration, leading to engine seizure and a forced landing at Overberg AFB. No injuries.

Incident Overview

On 6 August 2000 at 1400 Z, a Cessna 337 (registration ZS-IDO) operated on a private flight in the Bredasdorp region. The pilot, accompanied by five passengers, was flying at 1000 feet AMSL from Arniston to Cape Infanta. While abeam the De Hoop Nature Reserve, the pilot noticed a drop in the rear engine oil pressure.

Sequence of Events

The pilot turned back towards Bredasdorp and was overhead Arniston when engine vibration from the rear engine was experienced. The pilot reduced power to the rear engine to approximately 20 inches manifold pressure and 2300 rpm. A few minutes thereafter, two loud bangs were heard approximately 20 seconds apart. The pilot then feathered the rear engine and turned towards Overberg Air Force Base, where an emergency landing was carried out on runway 35. The landing was uneventful and nobody was injured.

Post-Landing Inspection

Initial inspection revealed puncture holes in the engine crankcase caused by internal component failure.

Weather Conditions

Meteorological conditions were CAVOK (Ceiling And Visibility OK).

Probable cause

Engine seizure occurred as a result of No. 2 main bearing being starved of its oil supply, which resulted in bearing seizure with resultant engine damage. It was not possible to identify the initial failure or the cause thereof.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Aug 2000 Cessna 337 accident near Overberg (Flight Test and Development Center), ZA?

On 6 August 2000, a Cessna 337 (ZS-IDO) experienced rear engine oil pressure drop and vibration, leading to engine seizure and a forced landing at Overberg AFB. No injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Aug 2000 Cessna 337 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Aug 2000 involved a Cessna 337, registration ZS-IDO, at Overberg (Flight Test and Development Center), ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine seizure occurred as a result of No. 2 main bearing being starved of its oil supply, which resulted in bearing seizure with resultant engine damage. It was not possible to identify the initial failure or the cause thereof.