Accident Summary
On 1 February 2001 at 1900Z, a Mooney M20J aircraft, registration ZS-KEM, was conducting night circuits and landings at Klerksdorp Aerodrome (FAKD). The pilot, holding a private license with 275.6 total flying hours and 17.1 hours on type, was accompanied by his son and the son's lady friend. The flight had departed and intended to land at the same aerodrome. Weather conditions were fine.
Eyewitnesses on the Klerksdorp–Stilfontein road reported seeing the aircraft flying in a northerly direction toward them, then turning westerly. They observed the aircraft diving to the ground and perceived it to be flying very slowly.
The aircraft impacted the ground on base leg for Runway 18. The accident resulted in three fatalities.
Investigation Findings
On-site investigation revealed that the engine was not operating at the time of the accident. The fuel selector was found in the OFF position. Investigators noted that the selector had no latch or lock to prevent inadvertent selection to OFF, which could have led to an unintended movement.
Probable Cause
The most probable cause, as determined by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, is that the pilot may have inadvertently moved the fuel selector to OFF, either on late downwind or during the base leg of the circuit. This likely caused the engine to fail. The pilot may have then attempted to stretch the glide and lost control during the subsequent turn onto final approach, entering an incipient spin and impacting the ground.