What happened
On 13 April 2006, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight in a Cessna 150F, registration ZS-EGL, departing from Nelspruit Aerodrome. The flight was intended to consist of straight and level flight exercises at various power settings. After completing a pre-flight inspection and verifying fuel levels, the pilot proceeded to the Barberton ridge as planned.
While returning to Nelspruit Aerodrome to join the overhead pattern at 4500ft MSL, the pilot transitioned to the left downwind for Runway 22. During the approach, having configured the aircraft with flaps and carb heat, the engine RPM dropped significantly from 2000 to 1500 RPM, followed by a total engine failure. The pilot declared a Mayday, stating that the aircraft had run out of fuel.
While attempting an emergency landing adjacent to Runway 22, the pilot encountered power lines, necessitating a climb that triggered the stall warning. The aircraft leveled off at 45 mph and landed near some poles. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced twice before striking a dam wall. The impact caused the front main landing gear to detach, and the aircraft came to rest in nearby bushes. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's pre-flight procedures, the aircraft's fuel state, and the sequence of the engine failure. Investigators reviewed the pilot's use of an alarm clock to monitor flight duration and the fuel readings recorded during the pre-flight inspection, which indicated a two-hour endurance. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's performance during the emergency descent and the impact with the dam wall.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion.
- The pilot attempted an emergency landing in terrain that was unsuitable for the situation.
- The aircraft's airspeed dropped to critical levels during the avoidance of power lines, leading to a stall warning.