What happened
On 12 October 2024, a PA28-180 aircraft, registration ZS-FTP, was conducting a conversion training flight from Lanseria International Airport to the north general flying area. The flight was operated under Part 1 and involved a flight instructor and a student pilot. After departing the airport and receiving instructions from Air Traffic Control to climb, the engine suddenly ceased operation.
While the instructor was communicating with ATC, the student pilot attempted to switch fuel tanks but inadvertently moved the fuel selector to the OFF position. This caused immediate fuel starvation. The instructor attempted to troubleshoot the engine failure and subsequently issued a MAYDAY call. In an effort to maintain flight, the instructor pulled the aircraft's nose up to glide, but the aircraft entered a stall and descended rapidly into a field approximately 9 nautical miles from Lanseria.
An eyewitness observed the aircraft in a nose-up attitude before a loud impact. The aircraft struck a rock, bounced into a second rock, and finally collided with a tree, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft. Both occupants sustained 2 injuries and were transported to local hospitals.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed the crew to determine the sequence of events. The investigation focused on the state of the fuel selector and the cockpit environment. The student pilot admitted to moving the selector while attempting to switch from the right tank to the left tank, noting that he was not visually confirming the switch's position.
Investigators found that the student pilot was seated in the left seat, placing the fuel selector near his leg. The instructor's view of the selector was obstructed by the student pilot's right leg, which prevented the instructor from noticing the error as it occurred. The aircraft was found to be airworthy and properly maintained prior to the flight.
Findings
- The engine stopped due to fuel starvation caused by the student pilot inadvertently moving the fuel selector to the OFF position.
- The instructor was unable to observe the student pilot's actions because the student's leg blocked the view of the fuel selector.
- The student pilot did not visually verify the position of the selector during the maneuver.
- There was a lack of effective communication between the two pilots during the critical moment of the error.