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Loss of Vertical Separation Involving Pilatus PC12 and Cessna 172 at Lanseria International Airport (ZS-TWF and ZS-CPL)

At 6 000 ft on right downwind Runway 07 at Lanseria International Airport, ZA

On August 13, 2023, a Pilatus PC 12 and Cessna 172 (registration ZS-TWF and ZS-CPL) was involved in an aviation accident near At 6 000 ft on right downwind Runway 07 at Lanseria International Airport, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of vertical separation due to an instrument error on the transponder fitted to the Cessna 172 (ZS-CPL). 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 13 August 2023, a Pilatus PC12 (ZS-TWF) and a Cessna 172 (ZS-CPL) lost vertical separation at Lanseria International Airport. The incident was attributed to a transponder instrument error on the Cessna.

Incident Overview and Context On 13 August 2023, a serious incident occurred at Lanseria International Airport (FALA) in South Africa involving two aircraft: a Pilatus PC12 registered ZS-TWF and a Cessna 172 registered ZS-CPL. Both flights were operating under visual flight rules (VFR) and Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011. The Pilatus PC12 was repositioning from O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR), while the Cessna 172 was en route from Welkom Aerodrome (FAWM). The incident was classified as a serious incident under CAR 2011 Part 12 and ICAO Annex 13 definitions, with no injuries or damage reported to either aircraft or persons on the ground.

Probable cause

Loss of vertical separation due to an instrument error on the transponder fitted to the Cessna 172 (ZS-CPL).

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Aug 2023 Pilatus PC 12 and Cessna 172 accident near At 6 000 ft on right downwind Runway 07 at Lanseria International Airport, ZA?

On 13 August 2023, a Pilatus PC12 (ZS-TWF) and a Cessna 172 (ZS-CPL) lost vertical separation at Lanseria International Airport. The incident was attributed to a transponder instrument error on the Cessna.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Aug 2023 Pilatus PC 12 and Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Aug 2023 involved a Pilatus PC 12 and Cessna 172, registration ZS-TWF and ZS-CPL, at At 6 000 ft on right downwind Runway 07 at Lanseria International Airport, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of vertical separation due to an instrument error on the transponder fitted to the Cessna 172 (ZS-CPL).

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