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Cessna 172H Crash at Hartbeespoort Due to Carburettor Icing (ZS-PFC)

Open field near Hartbeespoort, North West Province, ZA

On March 27, 2022, a Cessna 172H Skyhawk (registration ZS-PFC) was involved in an aviation accident near Open field near Hartbeespoort, North West Province, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Ice formation in the carburettor occurred during the climb at a cruise power setting, leading to a loss of engine power. 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

A Cessna 172H (ZS-PFC) crashed in an open field near Hartbeespoort on 27 March 2022 during a training flight. Carburettor icing caused engine power loss, leading to a forced landing where the nose gear broke on an anthill, inverting the aircraft.

Accident Overview and Aircraft Details On 27 March 2022, a Cessna 172H Skyhawk with registration ZS-PFC departed Lanseria International Aerodrome (FALA) in Gauteng province for a visual flight rules (VFR) training flight. The aircraft, which had accumulated 10,080.93 total hours, was operated by a flight instructor and a student pilot under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The flight was intended to practice stall exercises at the general flying area (FAD 70E) before returning to the departure aerodrome. No flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft was found to be airworthy at dispatch, with all maintenance records, service instructions, and airworthiness directives in compliance. The Lycoming O-320-E2A engine was later bench-tested and ran smoothly at all power settings.

Probable cause

Ice formation in the carburettor occurred during the climb at a cruise power setting, leading to a loss of engine power.
Icing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Mar 2022 Cessna 172H Skyhawk accident near Open field near Hartbeespoort, North West Province, ZA?

A Cessna 172H (ZS-PFC) crashed in an open field near Hartbeespoort on 27 March 2022 during a training flight. Carburettor icing caused engine power loss, leading to a forced landing where the nose gear broke on an anthill, inverting the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Mar 2022 Cessna 172H Skyhawk accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Mar 2022 involved a Cessna 172H Skyhawk, registration ZS-PFC, at Open field near Hartbeespoort, North West Province, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Ice formation in the carburettor occurred during the climb at a cruise power setting, leading to a loss of engine power.

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