Accident Details
On 20 September 2002 at 1832Z, a Cessna T210L, registration ZS-NRS, was on a private flight from Maputo, Mozambique, to Durban International Airport. The flight was conducted at night under CAVOK meteorological conditions. The aircraft was established on the ILS for Runway 24 when the pilot experienced an engine failure. A forced landing was executed on an open field in a suburban area approximately 1.75 nautical miles short of Runway 24.
During the approach, the right-hand wing collided with a tree, causing the aircraft to swing to the right. The aircraft came to rest on a heading of 010°M, 70 meters further on. The aircraft was substantially damaged, but no injuries were sustained by the pilot or passenger.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Cessna T210L (serial number not specified) had a total flying time of 774.7 hours for the pilot, who held a Commercial Pilot Licence valid at the time of the accident. The pilot had 4.3 hours on type. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger.
Investigation Findings
Inspection of the aircraft's fuel tanks revealed that both tanks contained no fuel. No evidence of in-flight leakage or post-crash leakage was found. The right-hand wing tank sustained slight damage during the accident.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined that, given the absence of evidence of in-flight fuel leakage, it must be assumed the aircraft departed Maputo with insufficient fuel for the flight to Durban International, resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent engine failure.