Accident Overview
On 13 May 2003, at approximately 1610Z, a Piper PA-28R-200 aircraft registered ZS-FWG departed from Klerksdorp Airport (FAKD) for a night sightseeing flight. The pilot, a private license holder aged 30 with 137.6 total flying hours (5.7 on type), was accompanied by two passengers.
Flight and Engine Anomaly
After a satisfactory power check, the pilot took off from Runway 18. He rotated at 70 mph and climbed at 90 mph before retracting the undercarriage following a positive rate of climb. All engine parameters appeared normal initially. Shortly thereafter, the vertical speed indicator (VSI) showed a negative climb rate and airspeed decreased. The pilot perceived that the engine was not developing sufficient power.
Forced Landing
Unable to identify the cause of power loss, the pilot committed to a forced landing in a field obstructed by trees and vegetation. During landing, the left wing struck a tree, severing the wing from the fuselage.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries; the other passenger sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital the following day. No fatalities occurred.
Weather Conditions
Meteorological information indicated CAVOK conditions with no wind and a 3/4 moon.
Probable Cause
The accident investigation determined the probable cause to be a restricted fuel flow in one of the fuel injector nozzles, which prevented the engine from producing full power, leading to a loss of altitude after take-off and a subsequent forced landing to the right of the extended centerline of the runway.