Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing of Cessna TU206G at Witbank

Casualties unknown • Open field 800 meters from threshold of runway 04 at Witban airfield, ZA

A commercial pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in an open field near Witbank airfield after experiencing engine power loss during the final approach.

What happened

On August 25, 2002, a CESSNA TU206G, registration ZS-NKU, was conducting a para-drop operation departing from Witbank. The flight involved dropping six jumpers at altitudes of FL 115 and FL 145. During the initial climb, the engine functioned normally, and the pilot successfully obtained all necessary air traffic control clearances to complete the mission.

While executing the descent and preparing to land on Runway 0aster, the pilot encountered a sudden loss of engine power. In an attempt to restore power, the pilot adjusted the mixture and switched fuel tanks, but the engine failed to respond. As the aircraft drifted toward a line of trees, the pilot maneuvered toward an open field on the right to perform a forced landing. During the final moments of the descent, approximately 20 to 30 feet above the ground, the stall warning activated. The pilot pushed the nose down, causing the nose gear to strike the ground first. The impact severed the nose gear and resulted in substantial damage to the forward lower section of the fuselage. There were no fatalities and no injuries reported.

The investigation

Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the pilot's actions during the emergency. The investigation focused on the engine's performance during the climb and the subsequent loss of power during the approach. The pilot noted that this was his first flight engaged in para-dropping operations. The investigation also looked into the fuel system management during the flight.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel starvation.
  • The pilot indicated that the pressure to perform correctly during his first para-drop mission may have led to an oversight regarding the fuel selector valve.
  • It is suspected that the pilot failed to ensure the fuel selector was set to the fullest tank, which prevented the engine from receiving adequate fuel.
  • The aircraft's nose gear was destroyed and the fuselage sustained significant damage due to the nose-first impact during the forced landing.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by fuel starvation, likely resulting from the pilot failing to properly select the fullest fuel tank during the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-08-25 Cessna TU206G accident near Open field 800 meters from threshold of runway 04 at Witban airfield, ZA?

A commercial pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in an open field near Witbank airfield after experiencing engine power loss during the final approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-08-25 involved a Cessna TU206G, registration ZS-NKU, at Open field 800 meters from threshold of runway 04 at Witban airfield, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by fuel starvation, likely resulting from the pilot failing to properly select the fullest fuel tank during the flight.

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