Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Zodiac Aircraft at Klipriver Airfield

Casualties unknown • Approximately 70 metres (m) south of Runway 02 threshold at Klipriver Airfield, ZA

A private pilot was forced to land on a grass strip near Runway 02 after the engine of a Zodiac CH 601HD failed during an approach.

What happened

On the afternoon of 5 November 2023, a pilot operating a Zodiac CH 601HD, registration ZU-IOX, was conducting a series of touch-and-go landings at Klipriver Airfield (FAKP) in Gauteng. The flight was being conducted under private operations in clear visual meteorological conditions. After a successful initial circuit and a routine touch-and-go, the pilot began a final approach to Runway 02. At an altitude of approximately 500 feet, the engine began running roughly, with the RPM dropping sharply from 4,300 to 2,5 and the engine subsequently stopped entirely.

Unable to restart the engine in flight, the pilot attempted to glide toward the runway. However, the aircraft fell short of the threshold, landing on a grass area roughly 70 meters south of the runway. During the impact and subsequent landing roll, the nose gear strut collapsed and the propeller struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot escaped the incident without injury.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and its maintenance history following the accident. The inspection of the Subaru EA81 engine and its components revealed that the fuel system was functional, with clean, properly graded 95 Unleaded fuel present in both the wing tanks and the gascolator. No obstructions were found in the induction air filter, and the fuel supply lines showed no signs of leaks or disconnections. The spark plugs and ignition system were found to be in good working order, and the engine was able to meet all operational parameters during subsequent testing.

Regarding the aircraft's airworthiness, investigators confirmed that the Zodiac CH 601HD was properly maintained and certified. The annual inspection had been completed earlier that year, and there were no outstanding maintenance issues or deferred items in the flight records. Meteorological data also ruled out carburetor icing as a factor, as the atmospheric conditions were dry and the engine design inherently prevents such icing.

Findings

  • The pilot was properly licensed with a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current medical certificate.
  • The aircraft was airworthy and maintained in accordance with all necessary regulations at the time of departure.
  • The specific reason for the engine stoppage could not be determined following the technical examination of the engine and fuel systems.

Probable cause

The pilot performed a forced landing on a grass area after the engine stopped during the final approach; however, the underlying cause of the engine failure remains undetermined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-11-05 Zenith, Zodiac CH 601HD accident near Approximately 70 metres (m) south of Runway 02 threshold at Klipriver Airfield, ZA?

A private pilot was forced to land on a grass strip near Runway 02 after the engine of a Zodiac CH 601HD failed during an approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-11-05 involved a Zenith, Zodiac CH 601HD, registration ZU-IOX, at Approximately 70 metres (m) south of Runway 02 threshold at Klipriver Airfield, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot performed a forced landing on a grass area after the engine stopped during the final approach; however, the underlying cause of the engine failure remains undetermined.

Loading the flight search…