Accident Overview
On 12 August 2006, at approximately 0830Z, a Jabiru SP aircraft registered ZU-PAC departed from Brits Aerodrome on a private flight with an instructor and a passenger. The aircraft had completed a previous training flight of 55 minutes duration, which began at 0700Z. Prior to the training flight, the instructor conducted a pre-flight inspection, including checking oil level and fuel quantity, which indicated 30 litres. The aircraft was then refuelled with 20 litres, bringing the total to 50 litres, calculated to provide about 3 hours of endurance.
Events Leading to the Accident
After the training flight, the aircraft was parked on the ramp in front of the clubhouse. For the subsequent private flight, the instructor and passenger taxied to the holding point of Runway 02 at approximately 0830Z. Following run-up checks, the aircraft entered the runway and began its take-off roll. Acceleration was normal, with rotation at 60 mph and climb at 70 mph with engine power at 3000 rpm. The instructor performed after-takeoff procedures, including retracting flaps, and before he could turn off the fuel pump, an engine failure occurred.
Forced Landing and Damage
The aircraft was flying over trees approaching power lines at about 400 feet above ground. The instructor selected an open field on the right side of the runway for a forced landing. There was insufficient time to attempt an engine restart. During the landing roll, the undercarriage struck a mound of soil. The nose gear collapsed and the left side main wheel strut broke off, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The aircraft came to a stop with no injuries to the pilot or passenger.
Probable Cause and Contributory Factors
The probable cause of the accident was a forced landing as a result of an engine failure. Contributory factors included the nose gear collapsing and the left side main wheel strut breaking off after impacting a mound of soil during the landing roll.