What happened
On January 1, 2002, a PIPER PA 36-375, registration ZS-KTE, was conducting agricultural spraying operations near the Hertzogville area. The aircraft had recently departed from a private airstrip on a local farm after the pilot refueled the plane and replenished the hopper with roughly 750 liters of agricultural liquid.
While climbing at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level, the pilot encountered a propeller over-speed condition. This mechanical issue led to a loss of engine power, causing the aircraft's airspeed to decay and the plane to lose altitude. In an attempt to maintain flight, the pilot deployed the flaps to a 20-degree setting to increase lift and opted to dump the hopper load to reduce weight. However, the rising terrain ahead prevented a safe return to the airstrip.
As the aircraft descended rapidly in a mushing attitude, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in an uncultivated field. During the maneuver, the left wing struck the ground, triggering a 90-degree rotation to the left. The aircraft then skidded for about 50 meters before coming to a complete stop. There were no injuries reported following the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events following the engine failure during the takeoff phase. The inquiry focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the fuel system following the reported propeller over-speed and the subsequent loss of power.
Findings
- The engine suffered a loss of power shortly after takeoff.
- The primary cause of the power loss was likely a decay in fuel flow.
- This reduction in fuel flow was induced by fuel contamination.