Accident Details
On 10 March 2024, at approximately 0831Z, a Jabiru J430 aircraft, registration ZU-URI, was involved in an accident at Elandsbaai Nature Reserve, Western Cape Province, South Africa. The flight, operated under Part 94 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (2011), was a private flight from Springbok Aerodrome (FASB) to Morning Star Aerodrome. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Jabiru J430, serial number 995, was registered on 1 August 2022. Its last 100-hour inspection was conducted on 19 September 2023 at 37.6 airframe hours, with a Certificate of Release to Service valid until 19 September 2024 or 137.6 airframe hours. The Authority to Fly was renewed on 31 October 2023 and valid until 30 October 2024. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued on 16 March 2023, valid until 31 March 2024, and a Class 1 medical certificate valid until 30 April 2024 with a stipulation to wear corrective lenses. The pilot had 1802.2 total flight hours, with 49.7 hours on type. There were two persons on board; no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Sequence of Events
The pilot and passenger departed Springbok Aerodrome for Morning Star Aerodrome. The aircraft had approximately 5 hours of fuel endurance. After flying 2 hours and 40 minutes, they landed at Lamberts Bay for a break. At 0810Z, they departed Lamberts Bay for Morning Star. While flying above restricted airspace near Air Force Base Langebaanweg (requiring altitude below 1500 feet AGL), the pilot used carburetor heat several times to prevent icing. The pilot later noticed engine roughness and power loss. He activated the fuel pump and cycled magneto switches but could not restore power. He selected an open field on a farm near Elands Bay for a precautionary landing. The area was covered in dense vegetation. During landing, the landing gear and propellers sustained substantial damage. The occupants were not harmed.
Engine Examination
After the accident, the aircraft maintenance organisation (AMO) recovered the aircraft and drained approximately 30 litres of fuel from the wing tanks. The engine was removed and placed on a test bench, where it started immediately and achieved all power settings without complications. The main fuel tap in the cabin was found in the off position. No water or dirt was found in the carburetor float bowl.
Weather and Icing Conditions
Weather recorded at Langebaan Airport (47 nautical miles from the accident site) at 0810Z: wind 200° at 8 knots, visibility 9999 meters, temperature 23°C, dew point 16°C, QNH 1016 hPa. The dew point depression was 7°C, and relative humidity was 64%. The carburetor icing probability chart indicated moderate icing at cruise power and serious icing at descent power under these conditions.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official probable cause stated: "The engine carburetor experienced moderate icing before it lost power and failed. Attempts to restore power resulted in an unsuccessful precautionary landing and damage to the aircraft." A contributing factor was identified as poor or no flight planning; the icing probability was not calculated to determine if precautionary measures should be taken.