What happened
On 23 August 2021, a Piper PA-18A-150 Super Cub, registered ZS-CKP, departed from Port Alfred Aerodrome (FAPA) for a scheduled post-maintenance test flight. The flight was intended to verify the aircraft's condition following a mandatory periodic inspection.
Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was climbing at approximately 600 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly ceased operation. In an attempt to restore power, the pilot switched the fuel supply from the left tank to the right tank. Although the engine briefly restarted, it failed again almost immediately. The pilot attempted to perform a teardrop turn to reach Runway 10L for a controlled forced landing, but the aircraft lost altitude too rapidly to complete the maneuver. The aircraft struck the ground hard on the left side of the runway, causing substantial damage to the engine cradle, propeller, fuselage, and cowling. The pilot escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
The SACAA AIID investigation focused on identifying the source of the engine failure. Investigators examined the fuel, which was found to be free of contaminants, and inspected the fuel system, finding no operational faults.
The engine was removed from the aircraft and subjected to a 20-minute bench test at an approved maintenance organization. During this testing, the engine performed according to the manufacturer's specifications, and no mechanical anomalies or defects were detected. The investigation also noted that the accident occurred only 0.02 hours after the completion of a 50-hour periodic inspection.
Findings
- The engine experienced a loss of power and subsequent stoppage during the climb phase.
- The pilot was unable to complete the intended forced landing maneuver due to a rapid loss of altitude.
- The cause of the engine stoppage could not be determined as both physical inspections and bench testing failed to reveal any underlying mechanical or fuel-related issues.