The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division has confirmed an investigation is underway into an aircraft accident at Grand Central Airport near the R101 in Midrand on Tuesday, September 8.

The Cessna 172 aircraft, registered as ZS-FNH, reportedly suffered engine failure before executing a forced landing about 250m west of the threshold of Runway 17.

Read more: Plane crashes in Midrand

AIID Communications Manager Sisa Majola confirmed two occupants were on board, with one person injured and the aircraft destroyed during the landing.

Majola said the flight was an hour-long building exercise in the airport circuit.

An investigator has been dispatched to conduct a safety investigation in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Majola emphasised that the investigation aims to determine the circumstances and contributing factors to identify safety lessons, rather than apportion blame or ascertain liability.

Also read: Plane crashes into fence in Midrand

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

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!