Engine failure leads to forced landing near Potchefstroom

Casualties unknown • Near Potchefstroom, North-West Province, at the coordinates S26° 37,562" E027° 02,881", ZA

A Piper PA28-181 experienced a catastrophic engine failure during a cross-country flight, resulting in a forced landing in an open field.

What happened

On 10 May 2010, a Piper PA28-181, registration ZS-KHW, was conducting a daytime cross-country flight from Rand Airport toward Mafikeng Airport. While flying near Potchefstroom in the North-West Province, the aircraft suffered an uncontained engine failure.

Despite the emergency, the pilot successfully transmitted a Mayday call and managed to execute a forced landing in an open stretch of grass field. The weather conditions at the time of the incident were reported as fine. The pilot escaped the aircraft with no injuries, though the aircraft sustained damage to its propeller and nose gear following the impact with the terrain.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the breakage of a connecting rod bolt, which led to a catastrophic engine malfunction and a subsequent forced landing.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-05-10 Piper PA28-181 accident near Near Potchefstroom, North-West Province, at the coordinates S26° 37,562" E027° 02,881", ZA?

A Piper PA28-181 experienced a catastrophic engine failure during a cross-country flight, resulting in a forced landing in an open field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-05-10 involved a Piper PA28-181, registration ZS-KHW, at Near Potchefstroom, North-West Province, at the coordinates S26° 37,562" E027° 02,881", ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the breakage of a connecting rod bolt, which led to a catastrophic engine malfunction and a subsequent forced landing.

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