What happened
On the afternoon of 11 December 2024, a Piper PA-28-180, registration ZS-ISI, was conducting an hour-building flight from Springs Aerodrome (FASI) to Heidelberg Aerodrome (FAHG). The flight was being operated under Private Pilot Licence (Part 91) regulations. After departing from Runway 03, the pilot climbed to 5,800 feet above mean sea level. During a left turn intended to reach a further altitude of 6,300 feet, the engine lost power and ceased operation.
With insufficient altitude to return to the airfield, the pilot identified a suitable field for an emergency landing. The aircraft touched down on uneven terrain, causing the plane to bounce. This impact resulted in the nose landing gear bending backward and scraping the ground before the aircraft came to a halt. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose section, engine mountings, and landing gear, the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's maintenance history and the pilot's actions. The aircraft had recently undergone maintenance, with a Certificate of Release to Service issued just days prior to the accident. Post-accident testing of the engine, including a ground-run, revealed no mechanical anomalies, and sufficient fuel was present in the carburettor bowl.
Investigators also noted that during the initial climb, the pilot performed a non-standard maneuver by switching the fuel selector valve from the right tank to the left tank. Despite the engine failure, the pilot did not attempt an in-flight restart, instead prioritizing the selection of a safe landing site.
Findings
- The engine stoppage occurred during a climbing turn.
- The cause of the in-flight engine stoppage could not be determined with certainty.
- The pilot performed a non-standard action by switching fuel tanks during the climb-out phase.