The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) has launched a safety investigation into an aircraft crash at Grand Central Airport in Midrand that left at least one person injured and caused severe traffic disruptions.

AIID confirmed that a Cessna 172 aircraft, registered as ZS-FNH, was involved in the accident on September 8.

Read more: Aircraft crash reported near Carstenhof Hospital, Midrand

An investigator has been dispatched to conduct a safety investigation under ICAO Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

According to AIID communications manager Sisa Majola, the aircraft was on an hour-building flight and was in the circuit at the airport when it reported engine failure. It then executed a forced landing about 250m west of the threshold of Runway 17.

“There were two occupants onboard the aircraft, with one reported with [a major] injury,” said Majola. “The aircraft itself was destroyed in the accident sequence.”

Joburg Emergency Management Services also responded to the scene, stating that both occupants suffered injuries after the light aircraft crashed into a boundary fence of a business complex.

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Majola said the investigation would determine the circumstances and contributing factors associated with the accident to identify safety lessons, adding that it is not intended to apportion blame or ascertain liability.

The division will assess collected evidence to determine whether a preliminary report can be issued within 30 days.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said a secondary motor vehicle accident occurred at the same location following the initial crash, causing severe traffic disruptions and heavy delays in the area.

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