What happened
On 2 December 2023, a PA 28-140 Cherokee, registration ZS-ESW, was conducting simulated forced landing exercises near Klerksdorp Aerodrome in the North West province. The flight, involving an instructor and a student pilot, was performing routine training maneuvers under visual meteorological conditions.
During the third exercise, while the aircraft was at approximately 800 feet above ground level, the student pilot initiated a nose-up input during a left turn. This maneuver, combined with a perceived downdraft, resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Although the instructor successfully regained control and recovered from the stall, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude due to the combination of high heat and wind conditions. Realizing a climb was not possible, the instructor prepared for a forced landing by shutting down the engine and selecting a nearby field.
As the aircraft approached the landing site, it struck two perimeter fences and a wooden post. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, including dents to the wing leading edges and scratches to the propeller. No injuries were reported among the crew.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's maintenance history, weather data, and fuel records. While the instructor reported encountering a strong downdraft, meteorological data from the South African Weather Service indicated stable, fine weather with no significant turbulence or significant weather patterns that would have contributed to the accident.
Investigators also scrutinized the aircraft's fuel management. A review of the flight folio, weight and balance sheets, and fuel bowser records revealed that the aircraft was operating with critically low fuel levels. Calculations indicated that only approximately 16 litres of fuel remained in the tanks at the time of the accident, which did not meet the required regulatory reserves.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine shutdown was fuel exhaustion during the simulated forced landing exercises.
- The student pilot's control inputs during the maneuver contributed to the initial stall.
- The pilot failed to comply with regulations regarding minimum fuel reserves, as the remaining fuel was insufficient for the planned operation.
- Inadequate flight planning contributed to the aircraft's inability to complete the training maneuvers safely.