Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing of Safari LSA in Western Cape

Casualties unknown • R381 road between Loxton and Beaufort West, Western Cape, ZA

A private flight in a Safari LSA ended in a forced landing on a provincial road after a propeller controller malfunction caused significant engine power loss.

What happened

On 10 October 2023, a Safari LSA aircraft, registration ZU-ITU, departed Karoo Gateway Airport in the Western Cape for a planned flight to Upington International Airport. The flight was being conducted under visual flight rules by a pilot and one passenger.

While climbing and leveling off at 7,500 feet, the pilot observed a significant drop in engine RPM, falling from 5,300 to 4,000. Simultaneously, an "Overload" warning light illuminated on the electronic propeller pitch controller. Despite several attempts to reset the controller by cycling the power, the manifold air pressure and RPM continued to decline, resulting in a descent rate of approximately 550 feet per minute. Unable to locate a suitable field for an emergency landing, the pilot opted to land on the R381 road between Loxton and Beaufort West. During the touchdown, the aircraft drifted due to the road's camber and eventually struck rocks, causing substantial damage to the airframe, propeller, and undercarriage. Both occupants escaped the wreckage without injury.

The investigation

Following the accident, the aircraft was transported to a maintenance facility in Gauteng for inspection. Investigators examined the functionality of the electronic propeller pitch controller and the pilot's response to the mechanical failure. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the annual inspection was current, and verified the pilot's medical and licensing status, finding the pilot to be medically fit for the flight.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the engine power loss was the propeller blades being set in an excessively coarse pitch, which overloaded the engine.
  • The pilot attempted to reset the electronic propeller pitch controller while it was still in "auto" mode rather than switching to manual mode.
  • This action aggravated the mechanical issue, as the controller's automated sequence caused the blades to pitch to a position that placed undue strain on the engine.
  • The failure of the electronic propeller pitch controller unit in auto mode served as a contributing factor to the event.

Probable cause

The engine lost power because the propeller blades were stuck in a coarse pitch, which overloaded the engine; this was exacerbated by the pilot's failure to switch the propeller controller to manual mode during the malfunction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-10-10 Kitplanes for Africa; Safari accident near R381 road between Loxton and Beaufort West, Western Cape, ZA?

A private flight in a Safari LSA ended in a forced landing on a provincial road after a propeller controller malfunction caused significant engine power loss.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-10-10 involved a Kitplanes for Africa; Safari, registration ZU-ITU, at R381 road between Loxton and Beaufort West, Western Cape, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost power because the propeller blades were stuck in a coarse pitch, which overloaded the engine; this was exacerbated by the pilot's failure to switch the propeller controller to manual mode during the malfunction.

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