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Cessna 182D ZS-CSA Forced Landing After Engine Failure Near Lanseria

On a ploughed field approximately 2nm short of Runway 06L, FALA, ZA

On July 31, 2003, a Cessna 182D (registration ZS-CSA) was involved in an aviation accident near On a ploughed field approximately 2nm short of Runway 06L, FALA, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft departed Rand Airport with insufficient fuel reserves, leading to fuel exhaustion and engine failure. A lack of system knowledge was a contributory factor; the pilot was unaware of the 10 U.S. Gal. 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 31 July 2003, Cessna 182D ZS-CSA experienced engine failure during approach to Lanseria, forced landed in a ploughed field, and nosed over. Pilot uninjured. Investigation cited insufficient fuel and lack of system knowledge.

Accident Summary

On 31 July 2003, a Cessna 182D (registration ZS-CSA) operated by a commercial pilot on a private delivery flight experienced an engine failure while on final approach to Lanseria Airport (FALA). The aircraft came to rest inverted in a ploughed field approximately 2 nautical miles short of Runway 06L. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Flight History

The pilot, aged 30 with a total of 435.5 flying hours (57.8 hours on type), was tasked to collect the aircraft from Rand Airport (FAGM) following a mandatory periodic inspection and refurbishment, and deliver it to prospective customers at Lanseria. The pre-flight inspection included a fuel check with a dipstick, showing approximately 2.5 inches of fuel in each wing tank, corresponding to 12.5 U.S. gallons per side. The aircraft departed Rand's Runway 29 at 0950Z and climbed to about 6500 feet above mean sea level. By 1001Z, the aircraft was established on long final for Runway 06L at Lanseria at an altitude of approximately 5500 feet. As the pilot continued the descent with one notch of flaps selected, the engine lost power and began running roughly, with revolutions per minute between 1300 and 1500.

Forced Landing and Damage

The pilot was unable to rectify the engine problem and executed a forced landing onto a large ploughed field. On touchdown, the nose wheel dug into the soft ground and separated, causing the aircraft to nose over and come to rest on its roof. The aircraft was substantially damaged, but the pilot escaped with no injuries.

Probable Cause

The investigation determined that the aircraft departed Rand Airport with insufficient fuel reserves, which led to fuel exhaustion and the subsequent engine failure. Although 30 liters (8 U.S. gallons) of fuel were drained from the aircraft after the accident, it is believed that during the descent the remaining fuel—less than the unusable quantity of 10 U.S. gallons for other than level flight conditions—moved to the front of the tanks, exposing the single fuel port located aft of each tank's centerline, resulting in fuel starvation. Additionally, a lack of system knowledge was a contributory factor; the pilot was not aware of the 10 U.S. gallon unusable fuel limitation for other than level flight conditions.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 2003 Cessna 182D accident near On a ploughed field approximately 2nm short of Runway 06L, FALA, ZA?

On 31 July 2003, Cessna 182D ZS-CSA experienced engine failure during approach to Lanseria, forced landed in a ploughed field, and nosed over. Pilot uninjured. Investigation cited insufficient fuel and lack of system knowledge.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 2003 Cessna 182D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 2003 involved a Cessna 182D, registration ZS-CSA, at On a ploughed field approximately 2nm short of Runway 06L, FALA, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft departed Rand Airport with insufficient fuel reserves, leading to fuel exhaustion and engine failure. A lack of system knowledge was a contributory factor; the pilot was unaware of the 10 U.S. Gal. unusable fuel limitation for other than level flight conditions.

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