#Cessna 185D Serial No. 745 (c/no 0964), ex N1585F and later ZS-EGH, was delivered to the South African Air Force on 08 December 1965.

On 19 February 1988, 65km North East of Opuwa in the Kaokaveld, all was not going well for the Pilot Lieutenant N.J. Ras from 84 Light Aircraft Flying School when the aircraft engine failed and he was left with no option but to crash-land.

The aircraft suffered Category 5 damage but the pilot survived the crash.

The wreck was recovered to AFB Ondangwa and was issued to AFB Zwartkop on 26 June 1989 without the engine. The aircraft was subsequently sold on tender during January 1990 and was registered as ZS-MPW on 30/01/90.

Here we see Cessna 745 lying in the veld not long after she had crash-landed. (SAAF Museum Photo),