Good training, experience and a brief gap in the morning traffic on the R43 between Worcester and Villiersdorp saved the life of a pilot and his three passengers on Thursday.
Die Burger newspaper reported on Friday that the Cessna 210, piloted by 52-year-old Markku Torppa from Somerset West, suddenly developed engine problems while flying a circular route from the Stellenbosch airfield.
“I have 20 years experience as a pilot and had never previously experienced engine problems,” Torppa said.
Three passengers – a visitor from Perth, Australia and two from Cape Town – were also on board.
“I had a choice. Either I would show them the winelands or Cape Point. Fortunately the wind was too strong in the Cape – having engine problems above the sea is not good.”
The plane was at an altitude of 2 000 feet – about 600m – when Torppa noticed the engine did not have power and saw smoke pouring out of it.
“I was not worried, because pilots are actually trained to handle such situations. I just concentrated on landing.” – Sapa
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Plane lands on highway