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Cessna 172M Propeller Strikes Powerline at Wonderboom Aerodrome (ZS-SSB)

M35 roadway near Soshanguve, Gauteng, ZA

On September 5, 2021, a Cessna 172M (registration ZS-SSB) was involved in an aviation accident near M35 roadway near Soshanguve, Gauteng, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The propeller struck a powerline while the pilot was flying the aircraft at a very low height over a road, endangering the safety of the aircraft, the occupants and property. 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 5 September 2021, a Cessna 172M (ZS-SSB) struck a powerline while flying low over a road near Soshanguve. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot was found to have exceeded the maximum take-off weight.

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 5 September 2021, a Cessna 172M with registration ZS-SSB was involved in a serious incident at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB). The aircraft, which had 3,716.2 total hours, was hired from an Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) for a private Part 91 flight. The pilot-in-command (PIC) was a 28-year-old male holding a Commercial Pilot Licence with 762.2 total hours. The flight carried three passengers, including a private pilot, with no injuries or fatalities reported. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its propeller, exhaust, and lower left main gear strut.

Probable cause

The propeller struck a powerline while the pilot was flying the aircraft at a very low height over a road, endangering the safety of the aircraft, the occupants and property.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 2021 Cessna 172M accident near M35 roadway near Soshanguve, Gauteng, ZA?

On 5 September 2021, a Cessna 172M (ZS-SSB) struck a powerline while flying low over a road near Soshanguve. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot was found to have exceeded the maximum take-off weight.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Sept 2021 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Sept 2021 involved a Cessna 172M, registration ZS-SSB, at M35 roadway near Soshanguve, Gauteng, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The propeller struck a powerline while the pilot was flying the aircraft at a very low height over a road, endangering the safety of the aircraft, the occupants and property.

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