History of Flight
On Tuesday afternoon, 4 February 2025, a flight instructor and a pilot holding a Private Pilot Licence departed from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) in Gauteng province aboard a Piper PA28A-180 aircraft registered ZS-MKY. The planned navigational training flight was to proceed to Brits Aerodrome (FABS) and Pilanesberg Aerodrome (FAPN) in North West province before returning to FAWB. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions by day in accordance with Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.
The engine was started at 1230Z, and run-up checks were performed for 15 to 20 minutes. The aircraft took off from Runway 29 at 1258Z and headed west. After reaching 300 feet, the crew completed after-take-off checks. At approximately 500 feet, the engine lost power, causing the revolutions per minute to drop from 2700 to 1000 rpm. The flight instructor took control and attempted to troubleshoot by selecting different power settings. The engine surged briefly before losing power again. The aircraft began to descend, and the instructor decided to land straight ahead on bushy terrain in Onderstepoort, Pretoria.
Aircraft and Personnel
The aircraft was a Piper PA28-180 Cherokee (registration ZS-MKY), operated by Thompson Aviation. The flight crew consisted of a flight instructor and a pilot with a Private Pilot Licence. No injuries were sustained by the crew.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing and the propeller blade. No other damage was reported.
Investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority's Accident and Incident Investigations Division was notified of the occurrence. An investigator-in-charge was appointed to conduct a full investigation. The investigation is ongoing; this preliminary report contains information gathered to date.