Engine Flameout Leads to Forced Landing of Atlas C4M Kudu at Carletonville

Casualties unknown • On a field approximately 300 metres (m) from the threshold of Runway 31 at Carletonville Aerodrome, Gauteng, ZA

An Atlas C4M Kudu experienced an engine failure during a parachute-drop flight due to fuel contamination, resulting in a forced landing at Carletonville Aerodrome.

What happened

On the afternoon of 18 January 2025, an Atlas C4M Kudu, registration ZS-WXF, was conducting routine parachute-drop operations at Carletonville Aerodrome (FACR) in Gauteng. The flight was operating under visual meteorological conditions as part of a series of jumps scheduled for the weekend.

Prior to the final flight, the pilot had performed several refueling sessions using a club-owned fuel bowser. During these sessions, the pilot noted a slow fuel flow and suspected that the bowser's filters might be obstructed. Despite these observations, the aircraft was refueled from the bowser, with the final session involving the addition of 65L of fuel into the left-wing tank.

During the sixth jump, the aircraft climbed to 16,000 feet. After the parachutists had safely deployed, the pilot began the descent and transitioned the fuel supply from the right tank to the left tank. While positioned on the left base leg for Runway 31, the engine suddenly lost power and flamed out. The pilot attempted to restore power using the isolator and condition lever, but the engine failed to restart. To avoid the aerodrome perimeter fence, the pilot executed a forced landing in a field south-east of the runway threshold. The aircraft struck the ground hard, and the tail wheel assembly broke off during the subsequent landing roll.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft, the fuel supply equipment, and the refueling procedures. The investigation focused on the condition of the fuel in both wing tanks and the mechanical state of the fuel bowser. Technical analysis by an Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) confirmed that while the fuel in the right tank remained clean, the fuel in the left tank was contaminated. Samples taken from the bowser itself also revealed contamination.

Findings

  • The engine flamed out due to contaminated fuel being introduced into the aircraft's fuel system.
  • The fuel bowser's filters were both clogged, which prevented them from effectively filtering out contaminants from the Jet A1 fuel.
  • No fuel samples were taken from the bowser by the pilot prior to the refueling process.
  • The pilot had previously identified slow fuel flow and suggested that the club members replace the filters, but the contaminated fuel was nonetheless pumped into the aircraft.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by fuel contamination, which occurred because the aircraft was refueled from a bowser that had not been inspected for contaminants and possessed clogged filters.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-01-18 Atlas Aircraft Corporation, C4M Kudu accident near On a field approximately 300 metres (m) from the threshold of Runway 31 at Carletonville Aerodrome, Gauteng, ZA?

An Atlas C4M Kudu experienced an engine failure during a parachute-drop flight due to fuel contamination, resulting in a forced landing at Carletonville Aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-01-18 involved a Atlas Aircraft Corporation, C4M Kudu, registration ZS-WXF, at On a field approximately 300 metres (m) from the threshold of Runway 31 at Carletonville Aerodrome, Gauteng, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by fuel contamination, which occurred because the aircraft was refueled from a bowser that had not been inspected for contaminants and possessed clogged filters.

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