What happened
On 4 July 2001, a PA 22-108 Colt, registration ZS-DUI, was engaged in a private flight originating from Wonderboom aerodrome (FAWB). After an initial leg to Groblersdal and a subsequent touch-and-go landing at Wonderboom, the pilot intended to fly to Rustenburg aerodrome. However, due to observing strong winds at Wonderboom, the pilot elected to return to Wonderboom instead of landing at Rustenburg.
While approximately 16 nm from Wonderboom, the aircraft's engine ceased operation. The pilot, flying at 5700 ft AMSL, attempted to switch fuel tanks and restart the engine, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Recognizing that a forced landing was necessary, the pilot identified an open field near a farmhouse as a potential landing site. As the aircraft approached the field, the pilot realized the landing would overshoot the cleared area. To avoid a collision with a line of trees and electrical conductors at the field's edge, the pilot pitched the aircraft upward. The aircraft subsequently entered the adjacent bush, resulting in extensive damage. The pilot sustained injuries but survived the impact. Following the crash, fuel was observed leaking from the left-hand tank due to the filler cap separating during the impact.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight sequence and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the engine failure. The investigation focused on the pilot's fuel management during the various legs of the flight, including the transition from the initial departure to the return flight toward Wonderboom.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion.
- The pilot had operated the aircraft primarily using the right-hand fuel tank, which led to the depletion of the fuel supply.
- The pilot's decision to pitch the aircraft up during the final approach was a maneuver intended to avoid trees and power lines, though it resulted in the aircraft descending into the bush.