Accident Summary
On 4 July 2001, at approximately 1245Z, a Piper PA-22-108 Colt, registration ZS-DUI, experienced an engine failure during a private flight. The aircraft sustained extensive damage during a subsequent forced landing near Silkaatsnek, about 17 nautical miles west of Wonderboom aerodrome (FAWB). The sole occupant, the pilot, was injured and hospitalized.
Flight Sequence
The pilot, who held a valid private pilot license with 123.1 total flying hours (4.4 hours on type), departed Wonderboom at 1015Z on Runway 29 after refueling the aircraft to capacity (36 U.S. gallons). The intended destination was Groblersdal. After sighting Groblersdal, the pilot turned back toward Wonderboom via Loskop Dam. Upon arrival, he executed a touch-and-go landing on Runway 29 and then proceeded toward Rustenburg.
Not landing at Rustenburg due to strong winds earlier experienced at Wonderboom, the pilot decided to return to Wonderboom. While approximately 16 nautical miles from Wonderboom, the engine failed at an altitude of 5700 feet AMSL.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
The pilot changed fuel tanks and attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. Realizing a forced landing was inevitable, he selected an open field adjacent to a farmhouse. During approach, the pilot determined he would overshoot the chosen field due to terrain obstacles, including a line of trees and electrical conductors. He pitched the aircraft up to avoid collision, narrowly missing the obstacles, and descended into neighboring bush.
Damage and Injuries
During the collision, the aircraft was extensively damaged. Fuel leaked from the left-hand tank through the open filler vent, as the filler cap had separated from the tank. The pilot vacated the aircraft quickly due to fire risk and sought assistance at the farmhouse. He was subsequently hospitalized and treated for his injuries.
Probable Cause
The investigation identified that the pilot conducted most of his flight with the right-hand tank selected, leading to depletion of its fuel supply, resulting in fuel exhaustion, subsequent engine failure, and a forced landing.