Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Apollo T Near Bloemfontein

Casualties unknown • On the maizefield west of New Tempe Aerodrome, ZA

A private flight conducting parachute operations ended in a forced landing in a maize field after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power.

What happened

On the afternoon of 2 September 2023, an Apollo T aircraft, registration ZU-IHA, was performing a sport parachute drop operation near New Tempe Aerodrome (FATP) in Bloem/Free State. The flight, conducted under visual meteorological conditions, began with the pilot and seven parachutists climbing to 11,000 feet above ground level. After the skydivers had successfully exited the aircraft, the plane began its descent.

While the aircraft was descending at approximately 1,600 feet and positioned downwind for Runway 01, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power. The pilot reported that there were no prior warnings or indications on the cockpit instruments. Following standard in-flight engine failure procedures, the pilot issued an emergency radio call to alert other pilots in the area and prepared for a forced landing. The aircraft subsequently landed in a maize field roughly 0.83 nautical miles west of the aerodrome. While there were no injuries to the pilot, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller blades and the nose landing gear strut.

The investigation

An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's maintenance history and mechanical condition. Records showed the aircraft had undergone a 100-hour annual inspection on 18 August 2023, with only 14.6 airframe hours flown since that service. Post-accident inspections of the fuel system revealed no leaks, no contaminants, and no blockages in the fuel tanks. During the investigation, engineers performed engine ground runs, including a hot start, which met all required parameters and showed no irregularities. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate.

Findings

  • The engine experienced an undetermined loss of power during the descent phase.
  • The aircraft was operating under Part 105 regulations for private parachute operations.
  • All maintenance documentation and the Certificate of Release to Service were found to be in order.
  • The aircraft's fuel supply was sufficient and free of debris or contamination.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was an undetermined loss of engine power during descent, which resulted in an unsuccessful forced landing in a field.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-09-02 Apollo T accident near On the maizefield west of New Tempe Aerodrome, ZA?

A private flight conducting parachute operations ended in a forced landing in a maize field after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-09-02 involved a Apollo T, registration ZU-IHA, at On the maizefield west of New Tempe Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was an undetermined loss of engine power during descent, which resulted in an unsuccessful forced landing in a field.

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