What happened
On January 25, 2003, a Windlass Aquilla microlight, registered ZU-BUC, was conducting a private flight from LA Mercy toward Mtanzini. While cruising at an altitude of approximately 1,200 feet AGL, the aircraft's engine ceased operation. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing on a beach situated between Ballito and Thompsons Bay on the North Coast. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage during the impact, the pilot escaped with only minor bruising and no life-threatening injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the engine during flight. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were reported as favorable, with clear weather and a North Easterly wind of 10 to 15 knots. The aircraft's maintenance records indicated that the plane held a valid Authority to Fly and had only been operated for six hours since its most recent annual inspection.
Findings
The investigation established that the engine failure was triggered by fuel starvation. This condition was caused by the presence of dirt within the fuel system, which created an obstruction in the fuel line and prevented the necessary flow of fuel to the engine.