What happened
On 22 November 2025, a Sling LSA with registration ZU-FNM departed from Margate Airport (FAMG) in KwaZulu-Natal for a private flight. The flight was being conducted under visual meteorological conditions by a pilot and one passenger. Following an initial leg from Umkomaas Airport, the aircraft was refueled at Margate Airport using 10 litres of 95 Unleaded fuel added from jerry cans via a siphon pipe and filter.
After takeoff from Runway 05, the aircraft climbed to 750 feet above mean sea level. As the pilot attempted to increase the altitude to 1000 feet, the engine lost power approximately 10 seconds into the climb. The pilot responded by initiating a glide at 110 knots, but was unable to avoid a forced landing in a wooded area at Mawatsheni, located roughly 10 nautical miles south of Port St. Johns. The aircraft came to rest on top of trees with its flaps fully extended. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, wings, fuselage, empennage, and propeller.
The investigation
An inspection of the aircraft by an approved person following the accident revealed that the wing fuel tank caps were properly secured. While an oil leak was noted from the oil filter, this was determined to be a result of the impact. Crucially, upon dismantling the carburetor bowls, investigators discovered the presence of both water and dirt. The engine, a Rotax 912 ULS, remained capable of being turned by hand, suggesting that the engine had not suffered a mechanical seizure prior to the power loss.
Findings
- The aircraft was refueled using fuel stored in jerry cans.
- Water and sediment contamination was present within the carburetor bowls.
- The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate.
- The aircraft had a valid Authority-to-Fly and had undergone its most recent annual inspection in October 2025.