What happened
On 15 February 2006, a Beechcraft V35B, registration ZS-IMZ, departed Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) for a private flight to Ermelo. The aircraft had recently undergone a Mandatory Periodic Inspection and was released to service on the same day. Following takeoff, the aircraft reportedly landed at Kitty Hawk (FAKT) before continuing its journey.
Approximately 0.43 hours into the flight, while flying over the Evander area, the engine ceased operation. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in an uneven, open grass field on a farm. The aircraft struck the ground at a high speed, causing it to bounce and roll. The impact ended with the aircraft nose-first in a left-wing low attitude and a subsequent ground-loop. The pilot sustained fatal injuries during the impact.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's engine was not running at the time of impact, as evidenced by propeller scratch marks and the state of the wreckage. While the fuel selector was set to the right-hand tank, the left tank had been destroyed, and the right tank contained only an amount of fuel categorized as unusable.
Investigators also reviewed maintenance and fuel records. It was noted that during a post-maintenance ground run at the maintenance organization, the engine had previously stopped because the left tank ran dry. Although this was reportedly communicated to the pilot, the aircraft departed with only 28.7 litres (approximately 7.58 gallons) of AVGAS.
Findings
- The engine stopped because of fuel exhaustion.
- The aircraft departed Wonderboom Aerodrome without enough fuel to safely reach its intended destination.
- The pilot was properly licensed and the aircraft was maintained according to regulations.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable and not a contributing factor to the accident.