What happened
On 31 January 2021, a student pilot was operating a Piper Archer PA 28 R, registration ZS-SYJ, on a solo navigation training flight. The flight originated from Port Alfred Airport (FAPA) with an intended route via Mazeppa Bay and a return to FAPA. The operation was conducted under visual meteorological conditions as part of a Part 141 training program.
Approximately ninety minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of electrical power, resulting in the progressive failure of radio communications and electrical instrument indications. While the pilot initially considered following lost communication procedures to return to the airport, an unfamiliar rattling sound from the engine prompted a decision to perform a precautionary landing. The pilot identified a grass field located approximately 44 nautical miles northeast of Port Alfred. During the landing roll on the grass surface, the left wing leading edge struck a fence pole, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the electrical failure and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date, with a mandatory periodic inspection completed only six hours prior to the accident. The pilot held a valid Student Pilot Licence and a Class II medical certificate.
Technical examination of the aircraft following the event identified the specific cause of the electrical loss. Post-flight inspection of the engine components revealed that the alternator had failed because of a broken cooling fan. This mechanical failure within the alternator assembly caused the electrical system to cease functioning, leading to the loss of cockpit instrumentation during flight.