What happened
On 1 February 2025, an Aeroprakt A-22, registration ZU-EJB, was conducting a private flight from Stellenbosch Airfield for the purpose of hour building. The flight, which included a pilot and one passenger, proceeded normally under visual meteorological conditions until the aircraft entered the airspace for Diemerskraal Aerodrome.
While descending from 3500ft to approximately 2800ft, the engine began to run roughly before losing power entirely. The pilot attempted several engine restarts, but the engine remained unresponsive. After identifying a suitable landing site, the pilot executed a successful forced landing in a field near Alfon Primary School, approximately 17 nautical miles north of Stellenbosch. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's mechanical state and the pilot's regulatory standing. A post-incident inspection by an approved maintenance organisation found no defects in the electrical, fuel, or mechanical systems; subsequent engine runs and flight tests were also successful.
Regarding the pilot's credentials, the investigation revealed that while the pilot had completed the necessary type training, the required aircraft type endorsement was missing from his physical licence due to an administrative error by the regulator. Furthermore, the pilot's temporary certificate of competency was invalid because it lacked a required signature. Consequently, the pilot was not legally authorized to act as pilot-in-command or to carry a passenger in that specific aircraft type at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The engine shutdown was likely caused by carburetor icing, as the atmospheric conditions (24°C with a 10° 10°C dewpoint depression) indicated high humidity and a significant risk of ice formation during descent power settings.
- The pilot was operating without the proper type endorsement on his licence, representing a regulatory violation.
- An administrative oversight by the SACAA Licensing Division resulted in the omission of the necessary endorsement on the pilot's renewed licence.
Safety action
- The investigation highlighted the need for pilots to verify that all required endorsements are correctly reflected on their licences before flight.
- A recommendation was made for the SACAA to strengthen verification procedures and enhance accountability within its Licensing Division to prevent recurring administrative errors in pilot endorsements.