Incident Overview
On 1 February 2011 at 1120Z, a Piper PA-28R-180 (registration ZU-BBG) departed Volksrust Aerodrome for a private local flight. Approximately 27 nautical miles north of Hluhluwe, the engine suddenly stopped. The pilot conducted a forced landing on a flat, grass-covered hill in a mountainous area, with the undercarriage retracted and full flaps selected. The aircraft came to rest within 50 meters.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28R-180 (Veteran), serial number 28R-30536, manufactured in 1968. It was powered by a Superior XP 10 360 engine (serial 36J071267) with 355.75 hours since new. The propeller was a Hartzell HC-C3YR-1RF. The pilot held a private license, was 67 years old, with 2500 total flying hours and 900 hours on type. The aircraft had a valid Authority to Fly issued 5 October 2010, expiring 2 October 2011. Weather was fine with southeast wind 5-7 knots, temperature 26°C, visibility greater than 5 km.
Forced Landing and Damage
During the forced landing, the aircraft sustained damage to the right-hand flap, the engine lower cowling, and propeller blade tips. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. There was no pre- or post-impact fire.
Investigation Findings
The investigation concluded that the oil port on the vacuum pump drive extension was not drilled at the engine factory. This caused the shaft to seize due to lack of lubrication, leading to failure of the dowel pin at the main drive gear on the crankshaft. Consequently, all engine-driven components stopped functioning, resulting in engine failure. The aircraft had been maintained by an approved maintenance organization.