Piper PA-34-220T Crash in Birdhaven, Johannesburg (ZS-MNJ)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 8 August 2007, a Piper PA-34-220T (registration ZS-MNJ) operated by Pleasure Air Partnership departed Lanseria Aerodrome for Rand Aerodrome at approximately 1540Z. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and a passenger, both of whom held pilot licences. While flying at approximately 6,500 feet above mean sea level over a residential area, the right engine failed. The pilot and passenger attempted to identify the problem but were unable to maintain altitude on the remaining engine. The pilot elected to perform a forced landing on the Killarney Golf Course, which was directly ahead. However, the rate of descent was higher than anticipated, and the aircraft crashed in the garden of a private home in Birdhaven, 574 meters northwest of the golf course. The left wing struck two small trees, and the aircraft subsequently collided with an entertainment area and a large tree. The accident occurred during twilight conditions, approximately six minutes after official sunset.