What happened
On 23 September 2003, a VPM-16M Tandem gyrocopter, registration ZU-BAR, was conducting a private flight departing from and returning to a private aerodrome located approximately 8 nautical miles northwest of Naboomspruit. The flight had lasted roughly three and a half hours.
While the pilot was on final approach to the runway at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine ceased functioning. Due to the loss of power, the aircraft lacked sufficient airspeed to reach the runway threshold. The pilot subsequently performed an emergency landing approximately 200 meters short of the runway, impacting an area near trees. While there were no injuries to the pilot, the impact resulted in damage to the aircraft's rotor.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history and mechanical condition following the incident. Records indicated that the aircraft had been maintained according to scheduled inspections, with the most recent annual inspection completed in June 2003. At the time of the accident, the aircraft's mass and center of gravity were within permissible limits, and 20 liters of fuel remained in the system.
Upon inspecting the fuel system, investigators identified a specific mechanical discrepancy regarding the connection between the aircraft's fuel tanks. It was determined that the quick-release coupling intended to link the auxiliary fuel tank to the main fuel tank had not been properly secured.
Findings
- The engine failure was a direct result of fuel starvation.
- The fuel flow to the main tank was restricted because the quick-release coupling between the auxiliary and main tanks was incorrectly connected.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits at the time of the incident.