What happened
On 25 November 2012, a single-engine aircraft departed from FAGC, bound for FATZ, under an IFR flight plan. During the initial climb, while passing FL075, the pilot was transferred from FAGC Tower to Johannesburg Approach Control. Shortly after reaching FL090, the aircraft experienced a loss of power in the left engine, accompanied by a drop in oil pressure and an increase in cylinder head temperature. The pilot notified Approach Control of the malfunction and requested to level off at FL090 to troubleshoot the issue.
Following the initial failure, the pilot requested radar vectors to return directly to FAGC and proceeded to shut down the left engine. While attempting to return to the airport using only the right engine, the aircraft began losing altitude. The pilot observed a simultaneous drop in manifold and oil pressure on the right engine and reported seeing flames through the engine cowling cooling vents. As the aircraft continued to descend, the pilot determined that the altitude was insufficient to reach the runway and executed a wheels-up forced landing in an open field.
After the impact, the aircraft skidded across uneven terrain and came to rest approximately 5m from Donovan Street. An in-flight fire that had originated in the right engine spread to the fuselage and the right wing. Although the pilot successfully disembarked and attempted to suppress the flames, the aircraft was eventually consumed by the fire. The pilot survived the incident with no injuries, but the aircraft was destroyed.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered a primary failure of the left engine.
- A secondary failure and fire occurred in the right engine during the emergency return.