What happened
On 2 August 2011, a Jabiru J430, registration ZU-EBH, was conducting a routine test flight following maintenance work involving a propeller replacement and a manual flap system installation. After refueling with 20 litres of Avgas 100LL at George Aerodrome, the pilot commenced the flight.
During the circuit for Runway 11, while positioned on the late downwind leg, the pilot observed a fuel warning light in the cockpit. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to sputter and eventually ceased operation. The pilot declared a PAN-PAN signal and attempted to reach the runway; however, the aircraft could not maintain the necessary glide. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing in an open field on a nearby farm. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a barbed wire fence, causing substantial damage to the propeller, windscreen, and lower engine cowling. The pilot escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the fuel system and the pilot's pre-flight procedures. The investigation established that while the aircraft carried sufficient fuel for the flight, the engine stopped because the fuel supply from the wing tanks to the header tank had been interrupted.
It was discovered that the two 'dual inlet fuel taps' located on the door pillars were in the closed position. Because these taps were partially obscured by the safety harnesses, they were overlooked during the pre-flight inspection. The investigation noted that while the third fuel tap on the center console was correctly set to the open position, the lack of fuel flow from the wing tanks eventually depleted the 6.5-litre header tank, leading to engine failure.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by fuel starvation.
- The pilot failed to ensure the two fuel taps on the door pillars were in the open position during the pre-flight inspection.
- The fuel taps were difficult to see because they were partially hidden behind the aircraft's safety harnesses.
- The aircraft was operating with sufficient total fuel on board to complete the intended flight.
- The pilot's experience and licensing were valid, and weather conditions were favorable for flight.