History of Flight
On 21 August 2007, at approximately 1540Z, a Mooney M20F, registration ZS-EUF, departed from Kimberley Aerodrome in the Northern Cape for a private flight to conduct test circuits. The pilot, the sole occupant, had previously flown from Kimberley to Plettenberg Bay on 18 August after refueling to maximum capacity of 64 US gallons. The return flight to Kimberley was made without additional fuel, during which the engine ran roughly for a few seconds. An Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) inspected the engine and performed a satisfactory ground run on 20 August. The following day, the pilot conducted a pre-flight inspection. Unable to visually check fuel levels, he shook the aircraft and heard fuel sloshing. The left fuel gauge indicated just over ¼, the right just under ¼. Satisfied, he proceeded.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to approximately 800 ft AGL. As the pilot prepared to turn left for downwind, the engine spluttered and stopped. He turned the boost pump on, identified a possible forced landing area, selected the opposite fuel tank, and attempted to restart with the mixture at full rich then leaned, but the engine did not restart. The pilot made a distress call to Kimberley ATC. He executed a forced landing on an open field with the undercarriage retracted. Upon landing, the left wingtip struck a tree, causing extensive damage to the aircraft.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained extensive damage to the fuselage structure, left wing, propeller, and engine. The pilot was not injured.
Fuel System Examination
Post-accident investigation drained 15 liters (3.9 USG) from the left wing tank and only 1 liter from the right. No ruptured fuel lines or tank ruptures were found. The aircraft's fuel selector feeds from either tank. Evidence suggested the pilot had selected the right tank for takeoff, which contained the least fuel. The engine was recovered and tested satisfactorily on a test bench.
Probable Cause
The engine failure was caused by fuel starvation due to fuel mismanagement.