Summary
On 22 January 2002, at approximately 0800Z, a Cessna 180C (registration ZS-MAF) was conducting a private flight from Pietersburg (FAPI) to Bulawayo (FNBU). After leveling off at flight level 075 (FL075), the engine failed. The pilot declared an emergency and executed a forced landing on the Dendron road, approximately 15 km north of Pietersburg. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained minor damage.
Investigation Details
The pilot held a valid private pilot license with a night rating and a valid medical certificate (valid until 24 October 2002). The aircraft type was endorsed in the pilot's logbook, and the pilot had 1,202 total flying hours, with 130 hours on type.
At the time of the accident, meteorological conditions were reported as fine. The aircraft had accumulated 23 hours since its last major periodic inspection (MPI), and the engine had 121 hours since complete overhaul.
During the investigation, unauthorized interference by an independent investigator with certain components occurred. Examination revealed that the left-hand magneto upper nut was loose, but the magneto timing was correctly set. The #2 rocker shaft bolts were found loose and lacked washers; however, this condition did not appear to contribute to the accident.
Probable Cause
The engine failure was attributed to a connecting rod bolt on the #4 connecting rod that failed due to fatigue.