What happened
On 15 April 2023, a PZL-104 Wilga 35, registration ZU-WAS, departed from Parys Aerodrome (FAPY) in the Free State province for a private flight. The flight was intended to be a local circuit, returning to the same aerodrome under visual meteorological conditions. Shortly after takeoff from Runway 24, the aircraft experienced a sudden partial loss of engine power, with engine revolutions dropping from 2000 to 1000 RPM.
Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot performed a precautionary landing in an open field ahead of the flight path. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear struck a ditch, causing the gear to bend. This impact forced the left wing and the propeller into the ground before the aircraft came to a halt. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wing, landing gear, propeller, engine cowling, and elevator.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the power loss and the subsequent landing. The investigation reviewed the pilot's pre-flight actions, noting that the initial inspection revealed no anomalies. Meteorological data from the South African Weather Service indicated a temperature of 24°C and a dew point of 2°C, resulting in a dew point depression of 22°C.
Following the accident, the engine was inspected and subsequently restarted, operating efficiently without any detectable faults. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the annual inspection had been completed approximately 18.5 hours prior to the event.