What happened
On March 14, 2003, a Jabiru SP microlight, registered ZU-CUZ, was conducting a private flight from Rand Airport to St Francis Bay. The flight had been underway for approximately 6.5 hours when the aircraft's engine began to run roughly before failing completely.
In response to the loss of power, the pilot executed a forced landing in the ocean, approximately 500 meters from the coastline. While the aircraft ended up in the sea, the pilot sustained minor injuries but managed to exit the cockpit and swim to the shore safely. The aircraft was subsequently retrieved from the water by Sea Rescue Services and brought to St Francis Bay Harbour.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of power during the flight. The investigation focused on the operational period following the departure from FAGM and the mechanical state of the engine during the final stages of the flight. Meteorological conditions at the time of the incident were reported as clear with westerly winds between 15 and 20 knots.
Findings
The primary cause of the engine failure was determined to be fuel exhaustion.