What happened
On the morning of 30 November 2022, an instructor and a student pilot were conducting circuit training exercises at Springs Aerodrome in Gauteng. The flight, involving an ELA 08 gyroplane with registration ZU-DYroc, proceeded normally through several touch-and-go landings. However, during a right base leg for runway 21, the engine suddenly ceased operation while the aircraft was flying over a quarry in the Brakpan area.
Recognizing the emergency, the instructor attempted a forced landing on an adjacent road. While maneuvering to avoid trees on the left side of the roadway, the aircraft's main rotor blades struck the vegetation. This impact caused one of the rotor blades to separate from the hub. The gyroplane subsequently rolled onto its left side, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. Both occupants sustained injuries, with the student pilot suffering serious injuries and the instructor sustaining minor injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components to determine the cause of the power loss. The investigation included a teardown of the engine, which revealed that scraper rings had been incorrectly installed during a previous overhaul, leading to oil entering the air intake. However, this was not identified as the cause of the engine stoppage.
Investigators also reviewed maintenance records and found that the engine had been left on the ground for approximately nine weeks without undergoing the manufacturer-required preservation procedures. Regarding the fuel system, while the fuel pumps were found to be serviceable and the fuel itself was clean and properly graded, the fuel pump switches were found in the "off" position at the crash site.
Findings
- The engine stopped unexpectedly due to fuel starvation.
- The fuel starvation was likely caused by the fuel pumps being inadvertently switched off during flight.
- The aircraft's main rotor blades struck trees during the landing roll, leading to a blade separation.
- The engine had not undergone required preservation protocols after being stored for an extended period.
- The student pilot had not flown for five months prior to the accident.