What happened
On the morning of 22 April 2024, a Jabiru J160 aircraft, registration ZU-DXZ, was conducting a private flight from New Tempe Aerodrome in the Free State to Springs Aerodrome in Gauteng. The flight was being operated under Part 94 regulations in clear visual meteorological conditions.
Shortly after departing at approximately 0430Z, the aircraft climbed to 5,500 feet. While climbing, the pilot noticed a momentary decrease in engine power, which briefly recovered. However, a few minutes later, the engine ceased operation entirely. The pilot identified a gravel road on a private farm near Brandfort and performed a successful forced landing. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Post-flight inspections of the fuel tanks revealed approximately 90L of uncontaminated Avgas 100LL remained, providing sufficient endurance for the flight. The engine was later transported to a maintenance organization in George for testing, where no mechanical anomalies or fuel system defects were found.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's operational status, noting that while the pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence, the aircraft had been recently purchased and the pilot had been flying without the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) on board, as the documentation had not yet been received from the previous owner.
Findings
Analysis of the weather data revealed a very low dew point depression of only 1°C, resulting in a relative humidity of approximately 92%. Based on carburetor icing charts, these conditions indicated moderate icing risk during cruise and serious icing risk during descent.
The investigation determined that the engine stoppage was caused by carburetor icing. The pilot did not apply carburetor heat after the initial power loss because there was no visible moisture in the area, leading the pilot to believe icing was unlikely. Additionally, the pilot was operating the aircraft without the POH on board.