History of Flight
On 26 May 2022, a Piper Comanche PA-24-250 aircraft, registration ZS-CSL, departed from Krugersdorp Aerodrome (FAKR) for Newcastle Aerodrome (FANC) with a pilot and two passengers. This was the first leg of a private flight conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) by day, in accordance with Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. After landing at FANC, the aircraft departed for the return leg to FAKR.
During the return flight, while overhead the general flying area in Johannesburg South, the engine began running rough. The pilot broadcast a blind call on 125.6 MHz reporting the rough running. He attempted troubleshooting procedures but could not resolve the issue. Deciding to execute a forced landing, he chose Panorama Airfield as the nearest aerodrome.
Overhead Panorama Airfield, the pilot observed traffic on Runway 20 and altered his joining procedure to land on Runway 20 instead of Runway 02. On final approach, he extended the landing gear, believing he would reach the runway. However, the engine stopped, and the aircraft lost height rapidly. Approximately 95 metres from the runway, the main landing gear caught on a barbed wire fence, then struck a road embankment. The aircraft bounced over the road, spun 180 degrees, and came to rest about 20 metres from the initial impact point, facing the opposite direction.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot and the two passengers sustained serious injuries.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-24-250, registration ZS-CSL, operated by Kwartel Eiendomme 4 (PTY) LTD. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with 1466.9 total flying hours, including 3.9 hours on type. The pilot stated that the main tanks contained 210 litres of fuel, providing an endurance of 4 hours. The round trip from FAKR to FANC and back was calculated to take 3 hours at a consumption rate of 49 litres per hour, leaving an expected 57 litres of fuel remaining. This fuel was unaccounted for after the accident.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, the surface wind was 210° at 7 knots, temperature 19.2°C, dew point 0.8°C, visibility CAVOK, and QNH 850 hPa. The accident occurred at 1520Z.
Probable Cause
Fuel exhaustion and, as a result, the aircraft could not reach the runway at Panorama Airfield.