What happened
On 12 February 2002, a CESSNA T210L, registered ZS-MBC, was conducting a private flight from Lanseria toward Louis Trichard. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and five passengers. During the return leg of the journey, while positioned roughly 3nm northwest of Freeway Aerodrome within the Pretoria General Flying Training Area No. 1, the engine began to malfunction.
In response to the engine failure, the pilot executed a forced landing in an open field. The landing path was complicated by the presence of dense bush and telephone wires at the far end of the field. During the descent and touchdown, the aircraft struck the telephone wires, causing them to sever, and subsequently collided with the thick vegetation. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent impact. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the fuel levels present at the time of the incident. The inquiry confirmed that the aircraft was operating under CAVOK meteorological conditions at the time of the event.