What happened
On 30 May 2003, a CESSNA TU20LEB (registration ZS-ERG) was conducting a local flight departing from Nylstroom (FANY). The flight's primary purpose was to transport a parachutist to an altitude of 8,000 feet for training, while the remaining passengers were on a pleasure flight. After the parachutist successfully exited the aircraft, the pilot began the return approach to the aerodrome.
While on final approach to Runway 28, at an altitude of approximately 350 feet, the aircraft began to undershoot the runway. In an attempt to correct the descent, the pilot advanced the throttle, but the engine failed to respond. The pilot attempted several emergency procedures, including switching fuel tanks from right to left, activating the high-pressure auxiliary fuel pump, and checking the magnetos, but the engine remained non-functional.
As a result, the pilot performed a forced landing in an open field located roughly 0.5 nm short of the runway. During the touchdown, the right-hand main landing gear struck a tree stump, causing the gear to detach from the airframe. The aircraft's right-hand stabilizer and wing tip also made contact with the ground before the plane came to a halt about 170 meters from the initial contact point.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the engine's loss of power. An on-site engine run was conducted, which showed no mechanical defects that would explain the sudden loss of thrust. The investigation focused on the fuel system and the pilot's management of the aircraft's consumables during the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel mismanagement.
- The left-hand fuel tank was depleted during the flight.
- The altitude and time remaining during the approach provided insufficient opportunity to perform a successful engine restart after the fuel exhaustion was realized.