Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Jabiru J400, registration ZU-CTD. It had accumulated only 18.3 airframe hours since new. Its Certificate of Registration was issued on 04 July 2002, and the Authority to Fly on 11 October 2002. The pilot held a valid Private Pilot’s Licence and was type-rated on the aircraft, with a total flying experience of 70.0 hours, including 8.0 hours on type. The pilot’s medical certificate was valid from 01 May 2002 to 30 April 2003.
Accident Sequence
On 01 November 2002 at 1410Z, the pilot departed from East London Aerodrome on a flight to Richards Bay Aerodrome after filling the fuel tanks to full capacity. The engine was set to 3100 RPM for take-off and 2900 RPM during cruise. After approximately 4 hours of flight, the engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed a forced landing on the beach at Mtunzini, about 20 nautical miles south of Richards Bay. During the landing, the nose gear sank into soft sand, causing it to collapse and resulting in damage to the engine cowling. According to air traffic control in Durban, gusty wind conditions of 060° at 30 knots prevailed at the time. The bearing from East London to Richards Bay is 066° magnetic, which equated to headwind conditions en route.
Fuel Calculations
The pilot stated that the flight manual specified a total fuel capacity of 140 litres and 95 litres of usable fuel in the wing tanks. Based on a fuel consumption of approximately 22 litres per hour, he calculated sufficient endurance. However, the flight manual was amended after the accident to indicate 135 litres total capacity and 124 litres usable fuel for both tanks. The local aircraft agent advised the pilot to land first at East London and then at Margate, as the engine was new and fuel consumption would be higher. Normal fuel consumption is about 23 litres per hour at 2600 RPM and 29 litres per hour at 2900 RPM. The pilot reported a cruise power setting of 2900 RPM. Using the amended usable fuel of 124 litres, the calculated endurance was 124 ÷ 29 = 4.2 hours, which was insufficient for the flight duration.
Probable Cause
The engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. A contributory factor was incorrect information in the pilot’s operating handbook.