What happened
On 25 April 2022, a Team Rocket F1 (TRF1) aircraft, registration ZU-DND, departed from Diemerskraal Aerodrome in the Western Cape for a flight to Springbok Aerodrome. During the cruise phase at 6,500 feet, the pilot experienced a sudden drop in engine manifold air pressure and revolutions per minute while operating at a 75% power setting.
As the aircraft began descending at a rate of 1,500 to 2,500 feet per minute, the pilot attempted several cockpit procedures, including adjusting the throttle and switching fuel tanks, but the engine power remained limited. Realizing the aircraft could not reach the intended destination, the pilot executed an emergency landing on a private farm approximately 2nm north-east of Moorreesburg. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's recent maintenance history and found that the engine had recently undergone cylinder repairs. Following the incident, a post-landing inspection revealed that the air passage on the inlet scoop was partially obstructed. The investigation established that a baffle seal, located between the cowling and the engine induction filter housing, had been sucked into the intake, restricting airflow.
Additionally, the investigation noted that the air filter was unstable within its housing. While the aircraft was flown from the farm back to the departure airfield, the pilot did not possess a special flight permit for that specific leg, as required by regulations.