Incident Overview
On 21 October 2002, a Cessna T210G aircraft, registration ZS-EWY, was operating a private flight from Wonderboom (FAWB) to Upington (FAUP) with three persons on board. While en-route, close to Sannieshof, a noise was heard, and shortly thereafter the engine began losing power.
Sequence of Events
The pilot informed Johannesburg Information of the situation and advised that he intended to land at Delareyville. During the descent, the aircraft sustained a bird strike on the right-hand wing, which did not cause any significant damage. Once established on the downwind leg for Runway 22 at Delareyville, another loud noise was heard, followed by oil on the window, and finally the engine failed. The pilot executed a forced landing. After landing, inspection of the engine revealed that a cylinder had become dislodged from the engine. It was established that a cylinder through-bolt failed, leading to the total destruction of the engine.
Outcome
There were no injuries to the three occupants. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the engine cowlings. The weather at the time was reported as wind unknown, good visibility, and a temperature of +22°C.