Dual Engine Failure Leads to Emergency Landing at Cape Town International

Casualties unknown • Runway 19 FACT, ZA

An Aero Commander 680FL experienced total engine failure during a private flight from Rand Airport, forcing a glide landing at Cape Town International.

What happened

On 6 December 2000, a private flight departing from Rand Airport (FAGM) for Cape Town International Airport (FACT) encountered a critical emergency. The Aero Commander 680FL, registration ZS-RIL, was carrying a pilot and five passengers when the left-hand engine failed at approximately 0942Z. At the time of the first failure, the aircraft was roughly 28 nautical miles from its destination and 15 nautical miles from Fisantekraal (FAFK).

Despite air traffic control suggesting a diversion to Fisantekraal, the pilot chose to proceed toward Cape Town International to utilize its superior emergency facilities, noting unfamiliarity with the alternative aerodrome. Shortly after, at 0955Z, the right-hand engine also failed. The aircraft, now without power, performed a glide approach and successfully landed on runway 19 at FACT at 0959Z. There were no fatalities and no injuries among the six people on board.

The investigation

Following the landing, the aircraft was moved to a maintenance facility for inspection. Investigators identified green vertical run marks on the fuselage underneath the wing area. A significant finding was that the left-hand fuel tank dust-cover was missing, and the opening had been temporarily secured with duct tape.

Upon draining the aircraft, it was discovered that only a portion of the expected fuel remained. After the tanks were replenished to their full capacity—totaling 780 litres—the engines were ground-tested and found to be functioning normally. The investigation focused on why the fuel supply was exhausted despite the aircraft having departed with what was believed to be a full load.

Findings

  • The aircraft departed Rand Airport with insufficient fuel to complete the intended flight to Cape Town.
  • The depletion of the fuel supply directly caused the sequential failure of both engines.
  • There is evidence suggesting a lack of a thorough pre-flight inspection, as the fuel tanks may not have been filled to capacity as intended.
  • Alternatively, fuel may have been lost through the left-hand tank opening, which was improperly sealed with tape rather than a proper dust-cover/lid, potentially allowing fuel to vent overboard during flight.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the dual engine failure was the exhaustion of the aircraft's fuel supply. This was likely due to either an incomplete refueling process combined with an inadequate pre-flight inspection, or fuel escaping through an improperly secured left-hand fuel tank cap.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-12-06 Aero Commander accident near Runway 19 FACT, ZA?

An Aero Commander 680FL experienced total engine failure during a private flight from Rand Airport, forcing a glide landing at Cape Town International.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-12-06 involved a Aero Commander, registration ZS-RIL, at Runway 19 FACT, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the dual engine failure was the exhaustion of the aircraft's fuel supply. This was likely due to either an incomplete refueling process combined with an inadequate pre-flight inspection, or fuel escaping through an improperly secured left-hand fuel tank cap.

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