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Piper PA28-180 Forced Landing in Groblersdal (ZS-FMV)

In an open field near the town of Groblersdal, ZA

On August 9, 2011, a Piper PA28-180 (registration ZS-FMV) was involved in an aviation accident near In an open field near the town of Groblersdal, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Unsuccessful force landing, contributed by the pilot's reliance on GPS navigation and lack of situational awareness. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On 9 August 2011, a Piper PA28-180 (ZS-FMV) made a precautionary landing in an open field near Groblersdal after the pilot lost situational awareness. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but no injuries were reported.

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 9 August 2011, a Piper PA28-180, registration ZS-FMV, departed Potchefstroom Aerodrome (FAPS) at 1440Z for a private flight to Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB). The aircraft was operated by an 18-year-old private pilot with 88.8 total flight hours. During the flight, the pilot lost situational awareness after failing to locate the first turning point, Aviators Paradise (FAAP). Despite attempts to use VOR navigation and contact Johannesburg Information, the pilot could not determine his position. With fuel becoming low and the sun setting, the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing in an open field near Groblersdal. During the landing, the right main wheel struck an ant hill, causing the wheel assembly to break off and substantial damage to the right wing. Both occupants were uninjured.

Probable cause

Unsuccessful force landing, contributed by the pilot's reliance on GPS navigation and lack of situational awareness.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Aug 2011 Piper PA28-180 accident near In an open field near the town of Groblersdal, ZA?

On 9 August 2011, a Piper PA28-180 (ZS-FMV) made a precautionary landing in an open field near Groblersdal after the pilot lost situational awareness. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but no injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Aug 2011 Piper PA28-180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Aug 2011 involved a Piper PA28-180, registration ZS-FMV, at In an open field near the town of Groblersdal, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Unsuccessful force landing, contributed by the pilot's reliance on GPS navigation and lack of situational awareness.

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