2010 Reims F172M Accident at Tulisa Park (ZS-PYL)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 12 February 2010, at approximately 1400Z, a Reims F172M, registration ZS-PYL, departed Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) on a local pleasure flight. The aircraft was operated by a 29-year-old private pilot with 79.7 total flying hours and carried two passengers. During the initial climb at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a loss of power and subsequently stopped. The pilot attempted an unsuccessful engine restart and notified Rand Air Traffic Control of the intention to execute a forced landing. The aircraft landed in an open field at Tulisa Park near Alberton, striking a heap of rocks before coming to a standstill. The accident site was located at GPS coordinates S 26°14′52.3'' E 28°06′43.2'', approximately 3 km south of Rand Aerodrome at an elevation of 5,522 feet above mean sea level. No occupants were injured, and there was no evidence of pre- or post-impact fire. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose, right landing gear, right wing, propeller, and the bottom of the engine cowling.