What happened
On 10 August 2006, a Cessna T210M, registration ZS-NUY, was performing a private flight involving multiple stops. After an initial leg from Wonderboom Aerodrome to Ulundi, the aircraft returned via Witbank Aerodrome. During the final leg from Witbank to Kitty Hawk Aerodrome, the pilot began a descent on a right-hand base leg for runway 0-1.
While configured with full flaps and flying at an indicated airspeed of 65 to 70 knots, the engine suddenly lost power and failed. The pilot attempted to restore power by switching to the alternative fuel tank and activating the boost pumps, but the engine remained non-functional. Due to the presence of power lines ahead of the runway, the pilot was unable to reach the paved surface and instead executed a forced landing in a grass field approximately 0.3 nm east of the aerodrome. The aircraft landed with its landing gear retracted, skidded for 40 metres, and underwent a 90-degree ground loop. While the pilot and two passengers escaped without injury, one passenger sustained injuries to her neck, back, and pelvis.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's fuel levels and mechanical condition. The engine and its components were dismantled and found to be in satisfactory condition, with no mechanical malfunctions or pre-impact failures identified. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, which showed the plane had been maintained according to the approved schedule.
Investigators analyzed the fuel remaining in the tanks at the time of the incident. By draining the tanks, they found approximately 10 litres of fuel in the left tank and 18 litres in the right tank. Based on flight logs and consumption estimates, it was determined that the fuel levels in both tanks were likely below the one-quarter mark during the approach.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by fuel starvation.
- The fuel tank outlets became uncovered during aircraft maneuvering because the fuel levels were less than ¼ full.
- The aircraft was operating with low fuel reserves during the final approach.
- The forced landing was necessitated by the inability to clear power lines on the approach to runway 01.