A light aircraft made a successful emergency landing on an open field in front of Atlantic Beach Estate on Otto du Plessis Drive in Melkbosstrand this morning (Monday 19 October). Both occupants were reported to be in good condition.

The Cessna 175, registered ZS-CMS, came down along Otto du Plessis Drive, prompting a response from emergency services and local security personnel.

Rihan Kleyn of Atlantic Aerodrome told Nova News both occupants were in good condition following the landing, although one had sustained a sprained finger.

“The two occupants were in top shape, except for one sprained finger, which was being seen to by the Atlantic Beach security team,” Kleyn said.

Propeller damage points to forced landing

According to Kleyn, the aircraft’s propeller had stopped turning before the aircraft touched down, with the damage visible after the landing.

The propeller was bent backwards, which Kleyn said was consistent with it having stopped in the air before the aircraft came down.

Despite the incident, both occupants were able to walk away from the landing.

“Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing,” Kleyn said.

Aircraft linked to flight school

The aircraft, registered as ZS-CMS, belongs to 4 Aviators, a flight school operating from Cape Winelands Airport, with an additional base at Cape Town International Airport, Kleyn confirmed.

The circumstances that led to the forced landing have not yet been established.

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