Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Piper PA 22 near Fly Inn Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • In an open field approximately 5 nm from Fly Inn Aerodrome, ZA

A private flight involving a Piper PA 22 ended in an emergency landing in an open field after an engine failure occurred near Fly Inn Aerodrome.

What happened

On 15 May 2006, a Piper PA 22, registration ZS-WDE, was conducting a private flight from Kitty Hawk Aerodrome toward Fly Inn Aerodrome. While operating within Waterkloof airspace at an altitude of 5500 feet AMSL, the pilot encountered turbulence, followed immediately by a total engine failure.

Because the aircraft was at a low altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level, the pilot had roughly 30 seconds from the moment of failure until touchdown. Due to the presence of high-tension power lines ahead, the pilot prioritized selecting a suitable landing area and maintaining the best glide speed over attempting troubleshooting. During the landing in an open field, the right main wheel struck an anthill, causing the aircraft to yaw right and crash through a fence, eventually coming to rest 100 meters beyond the perimeter.

Probable cause

The cause of the engine failure could not be determined due to a lack of conclusive evidence, though the pilot's immediate reaction to the failure was driven by the proximity of power lines and low altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-05-15 Piper PA 22 accident near In an open field approximately 5 nm from Fly Inn Aerodrome, ZA?

A private flight involving a Piper PA 22 ended in an emergency landing in an open field after an engine failure occurred near Fly Inn Aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-05-15 involved a Piper PA 22, registration ZS-WDE, at In an open field approximately 5 nm from Fly Inn Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the engine failure could not be determined due to a lack of conclusive evidence, though the pilot's immediate reaction to the failure was driven by the proximity of power lines and low altitude.

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