No fatalities

Cessna 172 Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss near Vereeniging (ZS-JOG)

Evaton (near Vereeniging), ZA

On December 14, 2003, a Cessna 172 (registration ZS-JOG) was involved in an aviation accident near Evaton (near Vereeniging), ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to the fact that No.1 cylinder exhaust valve seat came adrift the engine failed to produce full power resulting in a force landing in an open field. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A Cessna 172 (ZS-JOG) conducting training near Vereeniging experienced engine power loss during a simulated forced landing overshoot. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open field. The aircraft was not damaged. Two persons were injured.

Incident Details

On 14 December 2003 at 1653Z, a Cessna 172 (registration ZS-JOG) was conducting a training flight from Rand Aerodrome to the Johannesburg General Flying area. The flight involved practicing hold exercises at GAV (Golf Alpha Victor) and aerial work including simulated forced landings. Weather conditions were fine (CAVOK) with a surface wind of 360° at 5 knots and a temperature of 30°C.

Sequence of Events

During a simulated forced landing at a height of approximately 200 feet AGL, the pilot initiated an overshoot. However, the engine failed to accelerate above 2100 RPM. The pilot then performed a forced landing in an open field.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft was not damaged. According to the fact-sheet, there were 0 persons on board, 1+1 injuries (indicating two persons injured), and 0 fatalities.

Probable Cause

Due to the fact that No.1 cylinder exhaust valve seat came adrift the engine failed to produce full power resulting in a force landing in an open field.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Dec 2003 Cessna 172 accident near Evaton (near Vereeniging), ZA?

A Cessna 172 (ZS-JOG) conducting training near Vereeniging experienced engine power loss during a simulated forced landing overshoot. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open field. The aircraft was not damaged. Two persons were injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Dec 2003 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Dec 2003 involved a Cessna 172, registration ZS-JOG, at Evaton (near Vereeniging), ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Due to the fact that No.1 cylinder exhaust valve seat came adrift the engine failed to produce full power resulting in a force landing in an open field.