What happened
On the afternoon of 08 May 2000, a C150 was conducting a night cross-country training flight. The aircraft, registered ZS-JKN, was operated by an instructor and a student pilot. While returning to Grand Central, approximately 10 nautical miles from the destination, the aircraft's engine ceased functioning.
In response to the loss of power, the pilot executed a forced landing on the R-511 road situated near Diepsloot. During the landing sequence, the right-hand wing of the aircraft collided with a signpost. This impact caused the aircraft to veer off the roadway and into a nearby ditch. Although the aircraft sustained extensive damage, there were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent impact with the signpost. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the fuel system functionality during the flight.