What happened
On the morning of 15 July 2024, a private flight was underway from Bundu Inn Airfield toward Wonderboom Aerodrome in Gauteng. The flight, operated under Part 94 regulations, was interrupted when the pilot heard a squelch on the aircraft radio, prompting a decision to return to the departure airfield.
During the subsequent approach to Runway 27 at approximately 700 feet above ground level, the engine of the Bat Hawk (ZU-IEZ) ceased operation. Despite the pilot's attempts to restart the engine, the power loss persisted. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field adjacent to an informal settlement in Ga-Rankuwa township. During the landing roll, the left wing struck a tree and the nose gear collided with a rock, causing the aircraft to nose over and skid roughly 20 metres before coming to rest in an inverted position. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components. A post-accident inspection of the Rotax 912 ULS engine was conducted at an approved facility. While the engine was found to be in good mechanical condition and passed a bench test, one propeller blade was found broken.
Investigators analyzed the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. With a temperature of 8°C and a dew point of -2°C, the investigation focused on the potential for ice formation within the fuel system. The analysis of the aircraft's maintenance records showed that the aircraft had undergone inspection only 18 hours prior to the event.