What happened
On 2 December 2001, a Beech A60 (Duke), registration ZS-ITA, was conducting a performance test flight near Fouchville. The flight was intended to verify the aircraft's capabilities following extensive refurbishment and repair work, a necessary step for the reissuance of its Certificate of Airworthiness. The flight originated from Rand Aerodrome with the intention of returning to the same location.
During the procedure, the pilot shut down the right-hand engine and feathered the propeller to simulate single-engine operations. While attempting to maintain altitude using only the left-hand engine at maximum continuous power, the aircraft began to lose height. The pilot attempted to adjust the aircraft's trim to achieve a positive rate of climb, but the descent continued. Efforts to restart the right-hand engine were unsuccessful, leaving the crew with no choice but to execute a forced landing. Although a post-impact fire occurred and destroyed the aircraft, there were no fatalities and no injuries reported among the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the flight profile. The investigation confirmed that while the maintenance and repair work performed on the aircraft had been appropriately certified, the Certificate of Airworthiness was not yet valid, as the performance test flight was a prerequisite for the final inspection. The investigation also noted that while the pilot held a valid Airline Transport license with the appropriate type rating, his specific test pilot rating had not been formally endorsed on his license.
Findings
- The aircraft was unable to maintain altitude while operating solely on the left-hand engine following the intentional shutdown of the right-hand engine.
- The pilot was unable to successfully restart the inoperative right-hand engine during the emergency.
- The exact reason for the right-hand engine's failure to restart could not be determined.
- A significant contributing factor was the pilot's decision to conduct a high-risk performance test flight over an area that was unsuitable for such maneuvers.