Accident Details
On 8 May 2002, a Piper PA-28-235 aircraft, registration ZS-EBO, operated by a private pilot, was involved in an accident while approaching New Tempe aerodrome. The flight originated from Wouterspan, a farm approximately 35 nautical miles west-southwest of Douglas, with the intended destination of Runway 19 at New Tempe. The pilot was accompanied by his wife; both occupants were uninjured.
Pre-Flight and Flight History
Before departure, the pilot conducted a pre-flight inspection, but darkness prevented a visual check of fuel levels in each tank. Based on his calculations, the aircraft should have had approximately three hours of fuel, which seemed consistent with the fuel quantity gauge indications. The aircraft departed at approximately 0445Z, with an expected flight time of 1.25 hours to New Tempe. En route, while abeam Douglas, the pilot made a diversion to Douglas for a "refresher stop" before continuing.
Engine Failure Sequence
Approximately 50 nautical miles from New Tempe, the pilot switched fuel tanks from Left Main to Right Main, causing the engine to fail. After reselecting the Left Main tank, the engine restarted. At that time, the Left Main gauge indicated about 50% full, and the pilot believed 15 to 20 minutes of fuel remained in the tip tanks. Around 22 nautical miles inbound, near Krugersdrif Dam, the Left Main gauge indication dropped rapidly. The pilot then selected the tip tanks, resulting in another engine failure. The engine was restarted by reselecting the Left Main tank.
Forced Landing
The pilot joined a long final approach for Runway 19, maintaining an altitude of 6,500 feet. Shortly thereafter, the engine failed again, necessitating a forced landing on an agricultural field approximately 1 nautical mile north of New Tempe. During the landing, the soft ground caused the nose wheel to dig in, collapsing the nose gear and damaging the propeller. The left main wheel was also damaged. No injuries were sustained.
Probable Cause
The accident investigation determined that the engine failure occurred as a result of fuel exhaustion. Fuel exhaustion occurred as a result of an inadequate pre-flight inspection and poor flight planning.