Accident Details
On 19 December 2021, a Van's RV-7 amateur-built aircraft (registration ZU-FYG) departed from Plettenberg Bay Aerodrome (FAPG) in the Western Cape province on a private flight intending to return to the same aerodrome. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was conducted under Part 94 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.
The pilot reported that the aircraft had 50 litres of Avgas 100LL on departure from Runway 12 at 0920Z. Approximately 19 minutes into the flight, while returning to the aerodrome at about 1000 feet above ground level, the engine began to run rough and eventually stopped. The pilot attempted to restore power by applying full rich mixture, switching on the electric fuel pump, and switching fuel tanks from left to right, but these actions were unsuccessful.
The pilot broadcast a distress call on the TIBA frequency 124.80 MHz, stating that the aircraft had run out of fuel and/or was experiencing a vapour lock, and that he did not expect to reach the aerodrome safely. The call was overheard by the Bitou Municipality Fire Station crew and a helicopter pilot (ZS-HBU) en route to Witelsbos.
The aircraft could not maintain altitude, and the pilot executed a forced landing on Erica PI Drive in a residential area of Plettenberg Bay. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a tree, a perimeter wall, and an access gate of Stand Number 3106 before coming to rest at GPS coordinates 34°02'55.4" S 23°21'57.8" E. The pilot turned off the master switch after stopping. The pilot was not injured; the passenger sustained minor injuries. The pilot assisted the passenger in disembarking. Emergency services responded, and both occupants were transported to a hospital for check-ups. No ground injuries occurred.
Aircraft and Engine Information
The Van's RV-7 (serial no. 70120) is an all-aluminum low-wing monoplane of riveted monocoque construction, classified as experimental/amateur-built. In South Africa, it was registered under the Non-type Certified Aircraft (NTCA) category. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-360-M1B four-cylinder fuel-injected engine (180 hp at 2700 RPM) driving a three-bladed constant-speed MT propeller. The engine had accumulated 283.04 hours since new installation. The aircraft had two wing fuel tanks with a total capacity of 158 litres (42 US gallons), of which 4 litres was unusable.
The aircraft was equipped with dual EFIS glass panels with SD card storage and a built-in flight data recorder. A flop tube was installed in the right fuel tank for uninterrupted fuel supply during display maneuvers. The fuel selector was found in the off position after the accident.
Findings
Examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The propeller damage signatures were consistent with a complete lack of engine power at impact. Control continuity was confirmed, and no anomalies were noted with the mixture/throttle levers or circuit breakers.
Fuel examination: The left fuel tank was found dry upon opening. Less than a litre of unusable fuel was drained from the left tank drain valve. The right fuel tank had ruptured after impacting the tree, and no fuel spillage was observed on the tarmac. The fuel recovered was consistent with Avgas 100LL.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) that was invalid at the time of the accident, according to SACAA records. He did not have a valid medical certificate. The pilot had a known medical condition with a restriction to fly under VFR by day only, and was prohibited from flying EFIS-equipped aircraft where EFIS is the primary flight instrument. The pilot's licence was last renewed on 9 September 2016. The pilot reported that his licence was in the aircraft at the time and was stolen while he was hospitalized, but this could not be verified.
The pilot's logbook showed a conversion to the Van's RV-7 on 15 March 2021 (1.2 hours) with a designated flight examiner (DFE). The DFE certified the pilot competent but did not verify the pilot's licence validity before conducting the training flight. The CA61-09.7 form was signed but not submitted to SACAA within the required 30-day period.
Conclusion
The accident was limited to the information provided; no probable cause was determined in the report.