Accident Overview
On 3 August 2002, at approximately 0815Z, a Cessna 206 (registration ZS-MXZ) experienced a loss of engine power while maneuvering to land at Pietersburg Aerodrome (FAPI). The aircraft was conducting a private flight with the pilot and four passengers on board. No injuries were reported.
Flight History
Prior to departure from Hazyview, the pilot conducted a pre-flight check and noted fuel contents of approximately 150 litres: 90 litres in the left tank and 60 litres in the right tank. The first leg of the flight, from Hazyview to Potgietersrus Aerodrome, lasted approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. At Potgietersrus, the pilot decided to continue to Pietersburg, a flight of about 18 minutes, to uplift fuel before returning to Hazyview.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
Approximately 5 minutes after departing Potgietersrus, the pilot switched the fuel tank selection from left to right. Runway 26 was selected for landing at Pietersburg. While turning finals at a height of approximately 400 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot observed a low fuel flow indication. The fuel tank selector was changed from right to left, and then back to right, with no restoration of power.
Having lost significant altitude, the pilot decided to conduct a forced landing approximately 1.5 km from the runway threshold in bushy terrain. Before touchdown, full flaps were selected. The aircraft came to a halt within a distance of approximately 150 m. Nobody on board was injured.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined that the engine failure was caused by fuel starvation, aggravated by fuel mismanagement.