Jabiru J400 Forced Landing Near Stellenbosch (ZU-DAW)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 26 November 2003, a Jabiru J400 aircraft, registered ZU-DAW, was involved in an accident near Stellenbosch, South Africa. The flight was a private operation conducted by a 46-year-old pilot-in-command holding a valid private licence. The pilot had a total flying experience of 1,075.0 hours, with 18.3 hours on the specific aircraft type. The flight originated from and was intended to land at Stellenbosch (FASH). ## Operational Context and Engine Evaluation The pilot conducted three circuits from the Stellenbosch aerodrome in the afternoon. The primary objective of these flights was to evaluate an engine monitoring system that had been installed in the aircraft, as the unit was providing erratic cylinder head temperature readings. During the third flight, the pilot extended the circuit to achieve maximum engine performance, climbing to 2,200 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) while heading north. ## Engine Failure and Forced Landing With the right-hand fuel tank nearly empty, the pilot switched the right tank selector to the off position after clearing the circuit. While flying straight and level, the pilot executed a gentle right descending turn back toward the aerodrome. Upon levelling off, both fuel tanks were selected “ON.” The engine started but stopped a few seconds later. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by switching on the electric fuel pump, applying carburettor heat, and checking the magnetos. Although the engine restarted, it failed again shortly after. The pilot identified a road and a field below in the vineyards and attempted another restart at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL), which was unsuccessful. A forced landing was then initiated. The pilot broadcast a mayday call on the Stellenbosch aerodrome frequency of 119.70 MHz. During the approach, the pilot observed substantial traffic on the road and elected to land in a vineyard instead. Prior to touchdown, the left main landing gear strut struck an Eskom power line, severing it and causing a local power failure. The aircraft came to a halt approximately 20 meters within the vineyards in a left-wing-low attitude. ## Casualties and Environmental Conditions No injuries were sustained by the occupants on board. The meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were fine, with a wind of 200 degrees at 15 knots, a temperature of 25°C, and cloud cover of 5/8. The accident site was located on Farm Koelenhof, approximately 15 kilometers north of Stellenbosch.