What happened
On the morning of 29 November 2001, a Cessna A1s85E Skywagon, registration ZK-JGI, departed Motueka Aerodrome for a scheduled parachuting flight. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and five passengers. During the takeoff roll, the pilot utilized a reduced power setting to minimize noise for local residents.
At an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the aircraft suffered a sudden and total loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to maintain control and maneuvered the aircraft away from nearby buildings, eventually guiding it toward a nearby kiwifruit orchard. The aircraft struck trees before hitting the ground with significant force. The impact caused the aircraft to be destroyed. During the crash, three occupants were ejected through the exit door, while the pilot and two others remained inside. The accident resulted in 4 serious injuries and 1 minor injury among the passengers, while the pilot also sustained a serious injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system and the circumstances surrounding the power loss. It was discovered that the aircraft was missing its standard fuel tank selector cover, a modification that had occurred during its certification process. In February 2001, a hinged Perspex cover had been installed to prevent passengers from snagging the handle, but this change altered the functionality of the control.
The investigation also looked into the aircraft's climb performance and the safety of the passengers. The use of reduced power during takeoff meant the aircraft had less altitude and time to react to the failure. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the passengers were not wearing safety restraints, which was permitted under the regulations for parachuting operations at the time.
Findings
- The engine power loss was caused by the pilot inadvertently selecting the fuel Off during pre-flight preparations.
- The absence of the original selector cover and proper labeling meant the handle could be rotated into an unintended 'Off' position without the pilot realizing it.
- The pilot's relative inexperience on this specific aircraft type contributed to the error.
- Using a reduced power setting for takeoff limited the aircraft's ability to establish a safe altitude before the failure occurred.
- The severity of the injuries to the passengers might have been lessened if safety restraints had been utilized.
Safety action
Following the investigation, recommendations were made to the Director of Civil Aviation to:
- Conduct a study with the New Zealand Parachuting Federation regarding the use of safety restraints for passengers during takeoff and landing.
- Remind pilots of the importance of checking fuel selections and performing specific engine failure procedures, such as checking fuel tank settings, immediately following a sudden power loss.