What happened
On 04 January 2005, a BUCCANEER S2B, registration ZU-BCR, was conducting a private flight departing from Cape Town International Aerodrome (FACT). During the initial climb-out phase, the aircraft's left-hand engine failed. The pilot managed to maintain the climb using the remaining right-hand engine and contacted Air Traffic Control to request an altitude increase to 2500ft AGL, which was approved.
As the aircraft descended to 2000ft on the downwind leg, the pilot jettisoned 1000lbs of fuel over an unpopulated area east of the aerodrome. While proceeding northwest of Tygerberg, the pilot released the remaining 5000lbs of fuel. During this period, the left engine was successfully restarted and returned to normal operation. The pilot subsequently completed a safe landing back at Cape Town International Aerodrome. Following the landing, a minimal amount of residual fuel was noted on the runway, though the pilot confirmed the fuel dump valve had been closed.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the maintenance history of the operator. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft held a valid Authority to Fly and had undergone its last annual inspection approximately ten flying hours prior to the incident. The aircraft, which had been in South Africa since 1996, had not been formally type accepted by the regulator.
Investigators also reviewed the status of the Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) responsible for the aircraft. While the regulator had recently renewed the AMO's certificate in November 2004, the audit had identified eight findings. It was noted that no surveillance of the AMO had been conducted by the regulator between the issuance of the initial and most recent approvals.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an undetermined engine failure.
- The left engine was successfully restarted during the flight and functioned normally following the event.
- There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries resulting from the incident.