What happened
On 17 October 2024, a Sling 2 aircraft, registration ZU-IDV, was conducting a scheduled maintenance check flight from Virginia Airport in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The flight was being performed by a pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineer to verify the resolution of a previously identified high coolant temperature issue. The flight was being operated under visual meteorological conditions.
During the initial climb phase, approximately 500 feet above the ground, the engine experienced a significant loss of power, with revolutions per minute dropping from 5000 to 2800. After attempting to restore power via the throttle, the pilot initiated a teardrop turn to return to the airport. While attempting to land on Runway 23, the aircraft remained too high and was not properly configured for the approach. The pilot applied power in a final attempt to clear the perimeter fence, which provided a brief burst of thrust allowing the aircraft to clear the obstacle.
The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing at the Beachwood Golf Course, located roughly 0.7 nautical miles from the airport. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear failed, causing the propeller to strike the ground and resulting in damage to the right wing. Both occupants escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and its components following the accident. Technical inspections of the Rotax 912 ULS engine, including checks of the spark plugs, fuel system, and fuel filters, revealed no mechanical anomalies or leaks. Laboratory analysis of fuel samples confirmed that the fuel was free of contamination and met all required specifications. While the engine's performance during ground runs appeared normal, the investigation noted that the manufacturer's manual acknowledges that the cause of certain engine stoppages can remain undetermined.
Findings
- The engine experienced an undetermined loss of power during the takeoff climb.
- The pilot attempted to land on the active runway but was unable to do so due to excessive altitude and improper aircraft configuration.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine cowlings, propeller, nose landing gear, and right wing.
- All fuel and engine components inspected post-accident were found to be in satisfactory working order.