What happened
On the morning of 20 September 2024, a Windlass Aquilla aircraft, registration ZU-CLX, was conducting a private flight from Old Bisset Farm near Tzane and intended to return to the same location. The flight, operated under Part 94 regulations, proceeded under clear visual meteorological conditions.
After approximately 30 minutes of flight at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the engine began running roughly before losing power entirely. The pilot attempted to restart the engine and checked the magnetos, but the engine remained non-functional. The pilot subsequently performed a successful forced landing in an open field along the shore of the Tzaneen Dam. There were no injuries to the two occupants, and the aircraft sustained no damage during the landing.
The investigation
Following the incident, the aircraft was transported by road to the owner's facility for inspection. An approved person conducted a post-flight teardown of the Rotax 582 engine. While the engine components generally appeared to be in good condition and the oil reservoir was intact, investigators noted that the propeller was difficult to turn by hand. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and the aircraft's maintenance and airworthiness documentation were up to date.
Findings
Technical analysis revealed that the big-end bearing on the number one cylinder had failed. This mechanical failure was caused by inadequate engine lubrication, which investigators attributed to either an airlock or a blockage within the engine's autolube system.