What happened
On 26 October 2025, a flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a cross-country navigational training flight in a Tecnam P92 Echo, registration ZU-BJX. The flight originated from Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) in Gauteng, following a planned route that included several intermediate aerodromes including Vereeniging, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, and Carletonville.
While returning to Rand Aerodrome and flying at approximately 6,500 feet, the aircraft's engine ceased operation while over the Alberton residential area. The instructor attempted several restart attempts, but the engine remained non-functional. The crew identified a suitable landing site at the Hoërskool Alberton sports field. Although the pilot successfully glided the aircraft to the field, the landing distance was insufficient. The aircraft was unable to stop on the field and subsequently impacted a school cafeteria building, coming to rest halfway through the structure. The aircraft was destroyed, but there were no injuries to the crew or any third parties.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's fuel system. Upon inspection, the fuel tanks were found to be empty, with only 3 litres of unusable fuel remaining. The investigation focused on the fuel consumption during the flight, noting that the aircraft had departed with 70 litres of fuel. Based on the flight duration and the consumption rate of approximately 17 litres per hour, it was estimated that the flight had consumed nearly all available fuel.
Technical examinations of the engine, including the ignition system, oil system, and induction system, revealed no mechanical anomalies. The engine was successfully started when placed on a test bench. The investigation also noted that the sports field used for the forced landing was approximately 120 metres long, which was significantly shorter than the 300 metres required for a safe landing of this aircraft type.
Findings
- The engine stopped during the return leg to Rand Aerodrome due to fuel exhaustion.
- The crew failed to comply with regulations regarding ensuring sufficient fuel is carried to complete a flight safely and to reach an aerodrome with adequate reserves.
- Inadequate pre-flight planning and fuel mismanagement contributed to the occurrence.
Safety action
To prevent similar occurrences, pilots are encouraged to adopt a conservative approach to fuel management. This includes utilizing at least two independent methods to cross-check fuel quantities and ensuring all measurements are accurate. Furthermore, pilots must treat all low-fuel warning annunciations as accurate unless proven otherwise.