What happened
On 3 January 2001, a PA-28-180, registered as ZS-CBB, was conducting a private flight in the Witbank region. The aircraft departed from Runway 22 at Witbank aerodrome with a pilot and three passengers on board. Before departure, both fuel tanks had been filled to their maximum capacity.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot configured the aircraft with 10 degrees of flaps. While the engine performance appeared normal during pre-flight run-up checks, the aircraft encountered a loss of power at an altitude of roughly 20 feet. This sudden drop in power caused the aircraft to descend, prompting the pilot to bank left and execute a forced landing in a grassy area adjacent to the runway. There were no injuries to the occupants, though the left-hand wing tip sustained minor damage.
The investigation
Following the incident, an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the engine, electric fuel pump, and fuel system were all functioning correctly. No contaminants, such as water, were discovered in the fuel tanks or the fuel strainer. Subsequent engine test runs showed all indications to be normal, ruling out mechanical failure or fuel contamination as the cause.
Findings
- The aircraft departed with a tailwind component of between 6 and 10 knots, which increased the required takeoff distance.
- The investigation noted the pilot's relatively limited flying experience, totaling 112 hours.
- It is highly probable that the pilot attempted to operate the aircraft outside of its performance envelope, specifically regarding the combination of the aircraft's weight and the prevailing wind conditions, which likely prevented the aircraft from climbing effectively after leaving the ground.