What happened
On April 30, 1999, at approximately 13:15Z, a Cessna 172, registration ZS-EDC, was conducting a flight from Grand Central Airport (FAGC) to Nelspruit Airport (FANS). The aircraft, owned by Röhm P.R., was carrying the pilot and one passenger. Prior to this leg, the aircraft had flown from Fly-inn to Grand Central Airport after refueling with 80 litres of fuel.
As the aircraft was performing its approach to runway 22 at Nelspruit Airport, the engines ceased operation due to a lack of fuel. The aircraft subsequently crashed approximately 1 NM south of the runway. At the time of the incident, meteorological conditions were reported as fine.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the fuel system to determine why the engine failed. Post-crash analysis revealed that only 1 litre of fuel remained in the tanks, confirming that the aircraft had exhausted its supply. There were no indications of any fuel leaks occurring during flight.
Technical inspection of the cockpit instrumentation showed that while the fuel gauges were operational, a mechanical discrepancy was found in the left-hand sensor. The float arm within the sensor failed to move through its full range, stopping at a position that indicated a 1/4 tank level even when more fuel was present.