What happened
On 26 November 2003, a Jabiru J400, registration ZU-DAW, was conducting flight testing near Stellenbosch. The pilot was performing three circuits at Stellenbosch aerodrome to evaluate a newly installed engine monitoring system following reports of erratic cylinder head temperature readings. During the third circuit, the pilot increased the altitude to 2,200 feet amsl while flying north to achieve maximum engine performance.
As the aircraft cleared the circuit, the pilot moved the right tank selector to the off position because the right fuel tank was nearly empty. After performing a gentle right descending turn to return to the aerodrome, the pilot switched both fuel tanks back to the on position. Shortly after leveling off, the engine failed. Despite multiple attempts to restart the engine using the electric fuel pump, carburetor heat, and magneto checks, the engine continued to fail.
While descending toward a field, the pilot identified a road and a vineyard as potential landing sites. Due to heavy traffic on the road, the pilot opted for the vineyard. During the approach, the left main landing gear struck an Eskom power line, severing the cable and causing a local power outage. The aircraft came to a stop in the vineyard with the left wing low. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the fuel system and the sequence of fuel management during the flight. The investigation focused on the transition of the fuel selector and the state of the right fuel tank at the time of the engine failure. The inquiry also assessed the impact of the aircraft on the electrical infrastructure in the area.