What happened
On the morning of 22 March 2025, a Beechcraft Bonanza G3-6, registration ZS-FFG, departed Mossel Bay Aerodrome (FAMO) for a planned scenic flight. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers as part of a group of aircraft participating in a coastal flyaway. The intended route included several landmarks through the Western Cape, including the Robinson Pass and the Kango Caves.
During the descent near Assegaibosch, the pilot observed a drop in engine RPM and a sudden decrease in fuel flow. Despite attempts to use the auxiliary fuel pump and switch fuel tanks, the engine failed completely. The pilot identified a gravel road near Van Wyksdorp as a potential landing site but encountered power lines spanning the road. To avoid these hazards, the pilot diverted the aircraft toward a rugged hillside. During the landing attempt, the aircraft's stall warning activated, and the plane struck the ground, eventually coming to rest at a 90-degree angle to the initial landing path. There were no injuries to the occupants, and no post-landing fire occurred.
The investigation
An investigation into the incident examined the aircraft's mechanical state and flight data. Radar tracking from Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) confirmed a significant increase in the aircraft's rate of descent shortly before the impact.
Upon recovery of the aircraft, investigators noted that the fuel tanks had not ruptured. A post-recovery engine ground run was performed at Wonderboom Aerodrome, where the engine started and operated normally without any detectable mechanical issues. Analysis of the fuel samples showed the correct grade with no signs of contamination or sediment. The investigation also noted that the pilot had opted to land with the gear and flaps retracted to mitigate the risks of the rough terrain.
Findings
- The engine failure was likely caused by a disruption in the fuel supply to the engine, although a definitive mechanical cause could not be confirmed.
- The pilot was unable to reach a nearby unlicensed aerodrome located approximately 3.0 nautical miles east of the crash site.
- The decision to land on the hillside was driven by the presence of power lines and pylons obstructing the preferred gravel road.
- Weather conditions were clear and did not contribute to the accident.