What happened
On March 13, 2003, a Cessna 150L, registered as ZS-NRY, departed George aerodrome (FAGG) bound for Mossel Bay (FAMO). The flight was being conducted by a private pilot with the intention of building flight hours toward a commercial pilot license. The aircraft was carrying one passenger at the time of departure.
Roughly ten minutes into the flight, the engine began to run unevenly before failing completely. In response to the loss of power, the pilot attempted an emergency forced landing on a road within a residential suburb in Fraaiuitsig. During the descent and landing maneuver, the aircraft's left wing made contact with an electric utility pole located alongside the road. The impact caused the aircraft to cartwheel and overturn, eventually coming to rest in the front yard of a local residence.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent impact with the utility pole. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the sequence of events leading to the loss of power during the climb phase of the flight. While the weather conditions were reported as fine with light westerly winds, the physical damage to the aircraft was significant, rendering the CessNA 150L a total loss.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel starvation.
- A foreign object entered the fuel system and obstructed the flow of fuel through the main fuel jet in the carburetor.
- The aircraft occupants sustained no injuries during the accident.