What happened
On 22 July 2005, a CESSNA 172, registration ZS-IVT, was conducting circuit training maneuvers after departing from Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) on runway 17. During the flight, the instructor simulated an engine failure at an altitude of roughly 500 feet by reducing power and applying carburetor heat. Following this procedure, the instructor attempted to recover the engine's power, but the engine failed to respond. Consequently, the crew was forced to execute an emergency landing in an open field located near Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
While the landing resulted in zero fatalities and zero injuries, the aircraft sustained damage to its front wheel spat.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system at the incident site and confirmed there was no evidence of fuel contamination. Subsequent ground testing of the engine at full power demonstrated that the engine was operating satisfactorily in all respects, and the aircraft was successfully flown back to Grand Central Aerodrome. Records indicated that the aircraft's last Maintenance Program Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 27 June 2005, with 76.4 flight hours accumulated since that inspection. The training organization involved held valid accreditation at the time of the event.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by carburetor icing.
- The application of carburetor heat was ineffective because the engine was at an idle power setting at the time the heat was applied.