What happened
On 28 February 2000, a PA 25-235 aircraft, registered as ZS-ICE, was engaged in agricultural spraying operations near Lichtenburg. While performing a crop spraying detail, the aircraft's fuel supply was exhausted. Consequently, the pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in a sunflower field on a farm within the Lichtenburg district. While the aircraft suffered substantial damage during the impact, there were no fatalities or injuries reported in the incident.
The investigation
An off-site investigation was conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the forced landing. Investigators confirmed that the weather conditions at the time of the accident were fine. The pilot held a valid commercial license with the appropriate type rating, though the license included a restriction for the use of corrective lenses. Documentation reviewed during the inquiry indicated that the aircraft had been maintained according to required standards. However, the investigation also noted that the aircraft owner did not possess a valid operator license.
Findings
- The primary cause of the forced landing was that the aircraft ran out of fuel during the course of the spraying operation.
- The aircraft sustained significant structural damage upon landing in the sunflower field.