Accident Overview
On 25 August 2002, a Cessna TU206G aircraft, registration ZS-NKU, was involved in an accident during a para-dropping operation. The flight was the pilot's first para-drop sortie. The aircraft departed from Witbank and was to return for landing at the same airfield.
Flight Details
The pilot planned to drop six parachutists: two at flight level 115 and the remainder at flight level 145. The climb was uneventful, with the engine performing normally and no abnormalities observed. Necessary air traffic control clearances were obtained and the parachutists were despatched as planned.
Descent and Power Loss
During the descent to land on Runway 04, the pilot carried out pre-landing checks. On final approach for Runway 04, the pilot experienced a power loss. Initial application of power yielded no response. The pilot then richened the mixture and switched fuel tanks, but still no response.
Forced Landing
At that point, the aircraft was heading toward some trees, with an open field to the right. The pilot elected to turn right and execute a forced landing in the field. Approximately 20 to 30 feet above ground, the stall warning sounded. The pilot pushed the nose down, causing the nose gear to contact the ground first. The nose gear was severed, and the forward lower section of the fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot stated that due to anxiety to perform everything correctly on this maiden para-drop flight, he might have overlooked changing the fuel selector to the fullest tank.
Meteorological Information
The weather was fine with a 12-knot north-easterly wind at the time of the accident.