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Serious Incident: Tecnam P-92 Forced Landing After In-Flight Engine Failure (ZS-PWR)

Open field, approximately 20 nautical miles north-east of Bram Fischer International Airport, Free State, ZA

On February 17, 2024, a Construczioni Aeronautiche; Tecnam P-92 (registration ZS-PWR) was involved in an aviation accident near Open field, approximately 20 nautical miles north-east of Bram Fischer International Airport, Free State, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine cessation in-flight as a result of failure of the Number 1 connecting rod due to lack of lubrication that was caused by a defective oil pump; this resulted in the pilot executing a successful forced landing. 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 17 February 2024, a Tecnam P-92 (ZS-PWR) conducting a training flight experienced an in-flight engine failure due to a defective oil pump. The instructor executed a safe forced landing in an open field with no injuries.

Overview and Flight Details On 17 February 2024, a single-engine Tecnam P-92 aircraft, registration ZS-PWR, was conducting a navigational training flight under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The flight departed from Springs Aerodrome (FASI) in Gauteng Province, South Africa, with an intended stop at Bram Fischer International Airport (FABL) in the Free State Province before returning to FASI. The aircraft was operated by a flight instructor and a student pilot, with the student acting as the pilot flying and the instructor as the pilot monitoring. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the daytime operation. The aircraft had a total airframe time of 613.6 hours at the time of the incident. The last 100-hour mandatory periodic inspection was completed on 16 February 2024, and the aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Release to Service.

Probable cause

Engine cessation in-flight as a result of failure of the Number 1 connecting rod due to lack of lubrication that was caused by a defective oil pump; this resulted in the pilot executing a successful forced landing.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Feb 2024 Construczioni Aeronautiche; Tecnam P-92 accident near Open field, approximately 20 nautical miles north-east of Bram Fischer International Airport, Free State, ZA?

On 17 February 2024, a Tecnam P-92 (ZS-PWR) conducting a training flight experienced an in-flight engine failure due to a defective oil pump. The instructor executed a safe forced landing in an open field with no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Feb 2024 Construczioni Aeronautiche; Tecnam P-92 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Feb 2024 involved a Construczioni Aeronautiche; Tecnam P-92, registration ZS-PWR, at Open field, approximately 20 nautical miles north-east of Bram Fischer International Airport, Free State, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine cessation in-flight as a result of failure of the Number 1 connecting rod due to lack of lubrication that was caused by a defective oil pump; this resulted in the pilot executing a successful forced landing.

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