What happened
On 9 September 2022, a Jora UA2 aircraft, registration ZU-EKI, departed from Lindberg Lodge Airstrip in the North West province for a flight intended for Eagle’s Creek Aerodrome. During the flight, the pilot diverted to Carletonville Aerodrome (FACR) in Gauteng to accommodate a passenger's needs.
Upon departing from FACR using Runway 31, the aircraft experienced a significant reduction in power shortly after lift-off. As the aircraft climbed through approximately 250 feet, the pilot adjusted the flaps, at which point the engine power dropped to roughly 20% of its normal output. Faced with overhead power lines, railway cables, and a residential area, the pilot attempted an emergency turn back toward the airfield. However, the aircraft could not maintain altitude and eventually struck a sand wall running alongside the active runway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the propeller, nose, main landing gear, and right-wing tip. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical systems and maintenance history following the accident. While a post-accident inspection of the engine itself revealed no internal mechanical failures, the investigation focused on the ignition system.
Investigators discovered that the aircraft's starter ignition switch was defective. Specifically, internal key log springs were found to be loose and out of position. This mechanical failure caused the switch to recoil from the "BOTH" position to the "L" position during flight, effectively deactivating one of the two magnetos and causing the engine to lose power.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed the maintenance logs for the engine. It was established that the engine was not being maintained according to the manufacturer's specific requirements regarding the 300-hour overhaul interval.
Findings
- The primary cause of the power loss was a faulty ignition switch that automatically switched off the right-hand magneto.
- The loose and displaced log springs within the ignition switch were the direct contributing factor to the switch's failure.
- The pilot was flying under visual meteorological conditions in fine weather.
- The aircraft's maintenance records indicated that the engine overhaul intervals specified in the maintenance manual were not being strictly followed.
- The accident occurred during a precautionary landing attempt following the engine's loss of power.