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Piper PA-28 Forced Landing Near Kenton on Sea (ZS-ISU)

Port Alfred Aerodrome (FAPA), Eastern Cape, ZA

On June 27, 2021, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (registration ZS-ISU) was involved in an aviation accident near Port Alfred Aerodrome (FAPA), Eastern Cape, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A blocked main bearing oil gallery caused the No. 3 connecting rod to overheat due to a lack of hydrodynamic lubrication, leading to engine failure. 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 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (ZS-ISU) made a forced landing near Kenton on Sea on 27 June 2021 after an in-flight engine failure during a training flight. No injuries were reported.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 27 June 2021, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee with registration ZS-ISU was conducting a navigation training flight from Port Alfred Aerodrome (FAPA) in the Eastern Cape province. The aircraft was carrying a Grade III flight instructor and a student pilot. The flight was planned to last approximately 90 minutes and was conducted under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) during the day. The route was intended to pass through Kenton on Sea, Alicedale, Fort Beaufort, and Bathurst before returning to FAPA. Prior to departure, the crew completed a preflight inspection, and the aircraft was found to be airworthy with no recorded defects. The aircraft was fueled with 48 gallons of Avgas LL100, and the engine oil level was above 6 quarts.

Probable cause

A blocked main bearing oil gallery caused the No. 3 connecting rod to overheat due to a lack of hydrodynamic lubrication, leading to engine failure.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jun 2021 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee accident near Port Alfred Aerodrome (FAPA), Eastern Cape, ZA?

A Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (ZS-ISU) made a forced landing near Kenton on Sea on 27 June 2021 after an in-flight engine failure during a training flight. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jun 2021 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jun 2021 involved a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registration ZS-ISU, at Port Alfred Aerodrome (FAPA), Eastern Cape, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A blocked main bearing oil gallery caused the No. 3 connecting rod to overheat due to a lack of hydrodynamic lubrication, leading to engine failure.

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