What happened
On the morning of 14 November 2025, an ICP Savannah S, registration ZU-JPD, departed from the Platberg Private Farm Airstrip in the North West province for a local flight. The aircraft, operated under Part 94 regulations, was carrying a pilot and one passenger. The flight was conducted under clear visual meteorological conditions.
Shortly after reaching an altitude of 1,000 feet, the engine lost power and ceased operation. Despite attempts by the pilot to restart the engine, the aircraft continued to lose power. The pilot identified a nearby field for an emergency landing. During the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft struck trees while rolling on the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, the nose landing gear, and the flaperon. There were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and its maintenance history following the accident. A post-accident inspection of the Rotax 912 ULS engine revealed that while the crankshaft was turning freely, a significant amount of water was present in the carburettor bowls. Further inspection of the fuel tanks also uncovered water contamination.
Review of the aircraft's flight folio showed that while the aircraft was flown regularly, the records were incomplete. Specifically, there were no documented entries regarding fuel upliftment, and the pilot had not recorded all required flight particulars as mandated by regulations. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot was medically fit and the aircraft was within its inspection intervals and airworthiness requirements at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine stoppage was water contamination in the fuel system.
- The contamination originated from the improper storage and handling of fuel in a portable container, which was not inspected prior to refueling the aircraft.
- The pilot's failure to maintain a complete flight folio prevented investigators from verifying specific fuel management practices.