Engine failure and nose-over during approach to Lanseria

Casualties unknown • On a ploughed field approximately 2nm short of Runway 06L, FALA, ZA

A Cessna 182D experienced engine power loss during its final approach to Lanseria Airport, resulting in a forced landing and substantial aircraft damage.

What happened

On 31 July 2003, a Cessna 182D, registration ZS-CSA, was being operated on a private delivery flight. The pilot had been tasked with transporting the aircraft from Rand Airport to Lanseria Airport following its maintenance and refurbishment.

After performing a pre-flight inspection and verifying fuel levels via a dip-stick, the aircraft departed Rand Airport's Runway 29 at 0950Z. During the descent toward Lanseria, while established on long final approach for Runway 06L at approximately 5500 ft AMSL, the engine began running roughly and lost power. The pilot, having configured the aircraft with one notch of flaps, was unable to restore engine power and performed a forced landing in a large ploughed field located roughly 2nm short of the runway.

Upon impact with the soft terrain, the nose gear became embedded in the ground and separated from the airframe. This caused the aircraft to nose over and come to rest on its roof. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the cause of the engine power loss and the subsequent landing sequence. Investigators examined the fuel levels and the aircraft's fuel system configuration. While 30 litres of fuel were drained from the aircraft following the event, the investigation looked into how the remaining fuel was distributed within the tanks during the descent.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion.
  • The aircraft departed Rand Airport with insufficient fuel reserves for the intended mission.
  • During the descent, the remaining fuel volume fell below the 10 U.S. Gallon unusable fuel limit.
  • Due to the aircraft's attitude during descent, the fuel flowed toward the front of the tanks, away from the single fuel ports located aft of the tank centerlines, preventing the engine from receiving fuel.
  • A lack of specific system knowledge contributed to the accident, as the pilot was unaware that the 10 U.S. Gallon unusable fuel limitation applied to non-level flight conditions.

Probable cause

The engine failed due to fuel exhaustion caused by the aircraft departing with inadequate reserves. During the descent, the fuel moved away from the pickup ports, and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the unusable fuel limitations in non-level flight prevented timely intervention.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-07-31 Cessna 182D accident near On a ploughed field approximately 2nm short of Runway 06L, FALA, ZA?

A Cessna 182D experienced engine power loss during its final approach to Lanseria Airport, resulting in a forced landing and substantial aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-07-31 involved a Cessna 182D, registration ZS-CSA, at On a ploughed field approximately 2nm short of Runway 06L, FALA, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed due to fuel exhaustion caused by the aircraft departing with inadequate reserves. During the descent, the fuel moved away from the pickup ports, and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the unusable fuel limitations in non-level flight prevented timely intervention.

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