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KNYSNA NEWS - Two occupants of a light aircraft had a fortunate escape this afternoon, 15 October, when the plane developed technical problems mid-flight, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing on the Pezula Golf Course.
Pilot Mujurizi Atuhaise and his co-pilot, who declined to be identified, walked away from the aircraft without any visible injuries.
The aircraft, which belongs to a flight school in Gqeberha, was en route to George when the incident occurred.
Atuhaise told Knysna-Plett Herald that the aircraft had developed technical problems as they approached Knysna, and all the controls suddenly failed.
Realising he needed to bring the aircraft down, he began searching for a suitable landing spot. From the air, he spotted the Pezula Golf Course and decided to attempt an emergency landing on the fairway near the 18th hole.
Although the fairway appeared to offer a suitable landing area from above, the ground near the 18th green was uneven.
Despite the difficult conditions, Atuhaise managed to bring the aircraft down on the wet, slippery fairway. The plane skidded along the ground, struck a bump and spun sideways before coming to a halt, facing the clubhouse.
Skidmarks stretching about 40m were visible on the fairway.
The police and other emergency personnel arrived within minutes and cordoned the area off. Firefighters were also on the scene as a precaution after a strong smell of aviation fuel was detected.
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