Occurrence
On Sunday morning, 24 November 2024, at approximately 0825Z, a Cessna 172P aircraft (registration N441AG, serial number 17276091) operated by a private pilot under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011 departed from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) in Gauteng province for a flight to Bram Fischer International Airport (FABL) in Free State province. The aircraft carried the pilot and two passengers. The purpose of the flight was hour-building towards the pilot's Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day.
Before departure from FAWB, a pre-flight inspection revealed no abnormalities. The aircraft had 35.6 US gallons of aviation gasoline 100 low lead (AVGAS 100LL) on board. The distance between FAWB and FABL is 232 nautical miles. The flight to FABL was uneventful, consuming approximately 17.24 US gallons of fuel, leaving an estimated 18.36 US gallons (including 3 US gallons of unusable fuel) in the tanks.
After landing at FABL, another pre-flight inspection was conducted, and no fuel was added. The aircraft then departed for the return flight to FAWB. As the aircraft flew above Rosslyn, approximately 7.5 nautical miles northwest of FAWB, the pilot contacted FAWB tower requesting a priority landing due to low fuel. The aircraft was at 6,000 feet altitude at that time. The request was granted.
During the final approach for landing on Runway 06, the engine stopped. The aircraft then landed on trees approximately 200 metres from the threshold of Runway 06. The pilot and passengers were not injured but were taken to a hospital for a check-up. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Fuel Planning
Calculated fuel requirements for the round trip (FAWB to FABL and return) in zero wind conditions indicated a total fuel need of 42 US gallons, broken down as:
- Trip fuel FAWB-FABL: 17.24 US gallons
- Taxi fuel: 1 US gallon
- Trip fuel FABL-FAWB: 17.24 US gallons
- Taxi fuel: 1 US gallon
- Reserve fuel (45 minutes): 5.2 US gallons
The aircraft had only 35.6 US gallons on board initially, which was insufficient for the planned round trip plus reserves.
Aircraft Fuel System
The Cessna 172P is equipped with a standard gravity-fed fuel system comprising two vented wing tanks, a four-position selector valve (BOTH, RIGHT, LEFT, OFF), a fuel strainer, manual primer, and carburettor. For take-off, climb, landing, and manoeuvres involving prolonged slips or skids, the selector valve should be in the BOTH position. Operation from either left or right tank is reserved for cruising flight.
Findings
1. The pilot held a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) initially issued on 20 November 2020, with a medical certificate valid until 15 April 2029. The pilot had logged 160.5 total flying hours, of which 25.2 hours were on the Cessna 172 type. 2. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Release to Service, with no recorded defects at the time of the flight. 3. Fine weather conditions prevailed and were not considered a contributory factor. 4. The pilot did not have sufficient fuel on board to safely land at FAWB.