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

25 Wingfield Avenue, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, ZA

On August 8, 2007, a Piper PA-34-220T (registration ZS-MNJ) was involved in an aviation accident near 25 Wingfield Avenue, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Unsuccessful forced landing after the aircraft was unable to sustain height due to an engine failure in flight. 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 8 August 2007, a Piper PA-34-220T (ZS-MNJ) crashed in a residential garden in Birdhaven, Johannesburg, after an engine failure. Both occupants were seriously injured but survived.

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.

Probable cause

Unsuccessful forced landing after the aircraft was unable to sustain height due to an engine failure in flight.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Aug 2007 Piper PA-34-220T accident near 25 Wingfield Avenue, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, ZA?

On 8 August 2007, a Piper PA-34-220T (ZS-MNJ) crashed in a residential garden in Birdhaven, Johannesburg, after an engine failure. Both occupants were seriously injured but survived.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Aug 2007 Piper PA-34-220T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Aug 2007 involved a Piper PA-34-220T, registration ZS-MNJ, at 25 Wingfield Avenue, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Unsuccessful forced landing after the aircraft was unable to sustain height due to an engine failure in flight.

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