What happened
On the morning of 28 September 2024, a private flight departing from Heidelburg Airfield (FAHG) in Gauteng Province experienced a significant mechanical issue. While cruising at 6,500 feet, the pilot of the De Havill and DH82A, registration ZS-BGN, reported that engine power dropped from 100% to 60%.
The pilot immediately performed cockpit inspections, checking the fuel selector valve, magnetos, and mixture settings to attempt to restore power. When these efforts failed, the pilot searched for a suitable site for an emergency landing and identified a gravel road. During the landing roll on the uneven surface, the aircraft's main wheels struck a ditch, causing the plane to flip over. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without assistance, and there were no injuries reported.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had been fully refueled with uncontaminated AVGAS prior to departure. A post-accident inspection of the engine by a maintenance organization revealed no mechanical failures, abnormalities, or issues with the timing or lubrication that could explain the power loss. Meteorological data indicated that weather conditions were clear and that carburetor icing was not a factor.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its right wing, rudder, fin, propeller, and engine mount.
- The engine power reduction was undetermined as no mechanical defects were found during the post-accident inspection.
- The aircraft's impact with the ground and the subsequent rollover were caused by the main wheels catching a ditch during the landing sequence.