What happened
On January 23, 2001, a Pitts S-2B, registration ZS-MDG, departed from Rand Airport for a private flight intended to include aerobatic maneuvers over Syferfontein Aerodrome. During the flight, an eyewitness observed the aircraft entering a left-hand spin, though the pilot successfully recovered from the maneuver. Following the recovery, the engine ceased operation and the propeller became stationary.
While flying in an easterly direction at a low altitude, the aircraft entered a left turn toward the north and subsequently turned toward the south. As the aircraft descended rapidly, the pilot attempted an emergency forced landing, approaching the runway at a 90-degree angle to Runway 13/31. The aircraft struck the ground approximately four meters in front of the runway with the nose slightly upward. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce and hit the tarmac with the right wing low, before swinging to the right and coming to a stop. The two occupants on board sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the aircraft's recovery from a spin and the subsequent loss of engine power. Investigators examined the mechanical state of the engine to determine why power was lost at a critical altitude during the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel starvation.
- A torn diaphragm within the fuel distributor caused fuel to leak from a pressure hole in the top cover of the unit.
- This leak prevented fuel from being properly distributed to the engine cylinders.
- The pilot was forced to attempt a landing at a low altitude following the recovery from a spin and the simultaneous loss of engine power.