What happened
On 5 July 2001, a Jabiru SK, registered ZU-BXA, was conducting a commercial survey flight near the Maleoskop area. While flying south at an altitude of approximately 100 meters AGL, the pilot experienced a sudden loud noise followed by a total loss of oil pressure and the cessation of propeller rotation.
Following the engine failure, the pilot declared an emergency and attempted to restart the engine, but the attempt was unsuccessful. The pilot identified a tarred road between Groblersdal and Stoffberg as the most suitable site for an emergency landing. During the landing sequence, the aircraft's landing gear was positioned partially on the pavement and partially on the unpaved shoulder. As the aircraft rolled along the road, the right main wheel struck a rock, causing the tire to burst. This loss of stability resulted in the pilot losing directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the road and down a shallow embankment.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading from the initial engine malfunction to the loss of control on the ground. Investigators examined the aircraft's performance prior to the failure, noting that engine temperatures and pressures were within normal operating limits immediately before the incident. The investigation also reviewed the landing execution and the impact with the roadside obstacle.