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Serious Incident Involving Maule M-7-235 at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip (ZS-MNW)

Runway 18 at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, Harrismith, Free State, ZA

On February 25, 2025, a Maule M-7-235 (registration ZS-MNW) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 18 at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, Harrismith, Free State, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the aircraft due to the right wing contacting the tall grass on the edges of the runway during an attempted go-around. 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

On 25 February 2025, a Maule M-7-235 (ZS-MNW) suffered substantial damage during a go-around at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, Harrismith. The right wing struck tall grass, causing loss of control and a hard landing. No injuries were reported.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 25 February 2025, a Maule M-7-235 aircraft, registration ZS-MNW, was operating a private flight under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The flight departed from New Castle Aerodrome (FANC) in KwaZulu-Natal Province and was destined for Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, located east of Harrismith in the Free State Province. The pilot, a 33-year-old male holding a valid Private Pilot Licence, was the sole person on board. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the daylight flight, with a wind speed of 5 knots aligned with the runway and visibility of 9,999 meters.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the aircraft due to the right wing contacting the tall grass on the edges of the runway during an attempted go-around.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Feb 2025 Maule M-7-235 accident near Runway 18 at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, Harrismith, Free State, ZA?

On 25 February 2025, a Maule M-7-235 (ZS-MNW) suffered substantial damage during a go-around at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, Harrismith. The right wing struck tall grass, causing loss of control and a hard landing. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Feb 2025 Maule M-7-235 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Feb 2025 involved a Maule M-7-235, registration ZS-MNW, at Runway 18 at Swiss Valley Private Airstrip, Harrismith, Free State, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the aircraft due to the right wing contacting the tall grass on the edges of the runway during an attempted go-around.

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