History of Flight
The pilot, accompanied by a passenger, departed Krugersdorp Aerodrome on a pleasure flight. After refuelling with 106 litres of Avgas, the aircraft took off from runway 26. The engine operated normally during take-off and initial climb. At approximately 100 to 150 feet above the runway, the engine backfired and began running very roughly. The pilot cycled the throttle and mixture controls and set the fuel selector lever to both tanks. The engine continued to run rough without sufficient power to maintain altitude. Due to mountainous terrain at the threshold of runway 26, the pilot turned right towards a farm north of the aerodrome. The pilot broadcast a Mayday call on VHF frequency 122.00 MHz and executed a forced landing on the farm.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and passenger were not injured. The aircraft sustained damage to the right wing, right landing gear, nose section, and propeller. The irrigation system on the ground was also damaged.
Aircraft and Personnel Information
The aircraft, a Maule M-5-210T (registration ZS-KUB), was manufactured in 1980. It had a total airframe time of 1425.7 hours at the time of the accident. The last annual inspection was certified on 10 June 2005 at 1413.4 airframe hours. The pilot held a valid private pilot licence and had 415 total flying hours, with 62 hours on type. The pilot was 50 years old.
Meteorological Conditions
Surface wind was 320° at 10 knots, temperature 27°C, dew point 10°C, no cloud, and visibility CAVOK.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft approached the landing area at fairly high speed and yawed violently left and right before landing hard on the right main gear. The right wing struck a steel stay cable of the irrigation system, shearing off the outer 1.5 metres of the wing. The aircraft yawed and rolled violently to the right, impacting the ground heavily. The right main landing gear and tail wheel assembly collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground. The aircraft came to rest after travelling approximately 15 metres.
Post-Accident Examination
Investigators visually inspected the aircraft and found fuel present in the tanks with no evidence of contamination. An engine ground run was conducted; the engine started and ran normally, though not at full power due to damaged propeller blades. No abnormalities or malfunctions were observed. The probable cause was determined to be incorrect fuel mixer settings.