Background
On the morning of 6 June 2001, a Cessna 152 (registration ZS-JYU) departed Stellenbosch Aerodrome at 0315 Z with a pilot and one passenger. The aircraft landed at Beaufort West at 0530 Z. The pilot, who held a Private Pilot License with 90 total flying hours (50 hours on type), had calculated a fuel endurance of 4 hours 18 minutes based on the previous day's refueling to capacity (26 US gallons total, 24.5 useable) and a consumption rate of 5.8 US gallons per hour according to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook.
Accident
At Beaufort West, the aircraft was refueled to capacity with 65.7 litres (17.2 US gallons). The flight departed for Kroonstad at 0800 Z. As the pilot passed overhead Bloemfontein at approximately 1100 Z, the fuel gauges indicated just below ¼ tanks each side. At about 1150 Z, approximately 20 nautical miles from the destination, both fuel gauges indicated approximately 1/8 tanks, and the engine failed. The pilot initiated a forced landing on a gravel road leading to a farm house. During the approach, a vehicle entered the road, causing the pilot to touch down deeper than anticipated. The aircraft struck a concrete wall at the left-hand side of the farm's main gate, resulting in extensive damage to the aircraft and the wall. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital. The weather at the time was fine.
Investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined the probable cause of the accident. No other findings or analysis beyond the probable cause were provided in the report.