No fatalities

Cessna 172M Forced Landing After Throttle Linkage Dislodgement (ZS-MSS)

S25˚ 32’’ & E028˚ 11’, ZA

On April 15, 2003, a Cessna 172M (registration ZS-MSS) was involved in an aviation accident near S25˚ 32’’ & E028˚ 11’, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Investigation revealed that the throttle linkage became dislodged from the carburettor because it was not properly secured during maintenance. 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
Aircraft registered ZS-MSS
Aircraft registered ZS-MSS. Photo: Bob Adams from George, South Africa / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 15 April 2003, a Cessna 172M (ZS-MSS) on a training flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome experienced engine power loss due to a dislodged throttle linkage, leading to a forced landing. No injuries or damage occurred.

Summary

On 15 April 2003 at 1240Z, a Cessna 172M (registration ZS-MSS) was conducting a training flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome. The aircraft, piloted by a commercial pilot accompanied by a student, experienced an engine power loss shortly after take-off. Weather conditions at the time were fine. The incident occurred near coordinates S25° 32’ & E028° 11’. No injuries or damage resulted.

Sequence of Events

The flight departed Wonderboom Aerodrome for the Pretoria General Flying Area #1, a training area. During the initial climb, while turning onto the cross leg, the engine began to lose power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field north of the aerodrome. The aircraft and its occupants were unharmed.

Probable Cause

The investigation determined that the throttle linkage had become dislodged from the carburettor due to improper securing during maintenance.

Damage and Injuries

There were no injuries to the two persons on board. The aircraft sustained no damage, and no property on the ground was damaged.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Apr 2003 Cessna 172M accident near S25˚ 32’’ & E028˚ 11’, ZA?

On 15 April 2003, a Cessna 172M (ZS-MSS) on a training flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome experienced engine power loss due to a dislodged throttle linkage, leading to a forced landing. No injuries or damage occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Apr 2003 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Apr 2003 involved a Cessna 172M, registration ZS-MSS, at S25˚ 32’’ & E028˚ 11’, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Investigation revealed that the throttle linkage became dislodged from the carburettor because it was not properly secured during maintenance.