Cessna 182P Fuel Exhaustion Accident in Wadeville (ZS-MZV)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 28 June 2021, a Cessna 182P with registration ZS-MZV, operated by Mike Zulu Victor (Pty) Ltd, was involved in an accident in a swampland in Wadeville, Gauteng Province. The aircraft, a Cessna 182P (Serial No. 18261343), was on a private flight from Hoedspruit Civil Aerodrome (FAHT) to Rand Aerodrome (FAGM). The pilot, holding a Private Pilot Licence, was accompanied by three passengers. The flight originated from a private game reserve located 12 nautical miles north-east of FAHT. After a 30-minute flight, the aircraft landed at FAHT to refuel. The pilot instructed the fuel service provider to add 50 litres to the left tank and 5 litres to the right tank. Following the refueling, the pilot filed a flight plan for the leg to FAGM, indicating a flight endurance of 3 hours and 30 minutes. ## Approach and Engine Failure The aircraft took off from Runway 35 at FAHT at 0740Z. The pilot was assigned a squawk code and cleared to climb to 8,500 feet. At 0834Z, the pilot began a descent to 6,500 feet while abeam Loskop Dam. The aircraft approached FAGM from the north-west. During the approach to Runway 35 at FAGM, the pilot encountered unstable conditions due to gusty winds and executed a go-around at approximately 100 meters from the threshold. While repositioning for a second approach, the engine lost power. The pilot reported that the fuel gauges had been erratic throughout the flight, fluctuating between quarter and full tank. After attempting to restore power by cycling the fuel selector, the engine stopped completely. ## Forced Landing and Outcome The pilot broadcast a Mayday on the FAGM tower frequency and selected a swampland for a forced landing. The aircraft touched down in the swampland, veered to the right, and came to rest in a left-wing low attitude in a dense reed area. The accident site was located at GPS coordinates 26°17’18.20” South, 028°10’19.40” East, at an elevation of 5,047 feet. All four occupants on board were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. A helicopter crew from FAGM was dispatched to the scene to assist the occupants following the Mayday call.