Accident Details
On 29 August 2007 at 1210Z, a student pilot flying a Tecnam P92-S Echo (registration ZU-DMT) departed Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) for a training flight in the general flying area. After completing the flight, the pilot returned to FAGM and was on final approach for runway 35 when the engine stopped. The pilot issued a Mayday call on frequency 118.7 MHz. Unable to reach the runway and after unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the pilot executed a forced landing in an open field in Lambton, Germiston. During the landing, the aircraft collided with a rock before coming to a halt.
Aircraft Information
The Tecnam P92-S Echo, serial number 806, was manufactured in 2004. It was powered by a Rotax 912 ULS engine (serial number 4428965) with 604.99 hours since new. The aircraft had a total of 1,944.18 airframe hours at the time of the accident. Its last maintenance inspection was on 27 July 2007, 76.14 hours prior. The propeller was a Tonni GT-Echo. The aircraft was operated under a training category and held a valid Authority to Fly.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 41-year-old South African male holding a student pilot licence, had 36.9 total flying hours, including 6.3 hours on the accident aircraft type. His licence was valid, with a medical certificate expiring on 31 July 2008 requiring corrective lenses. He had no previous accidents.
Fuel Starvation Determined
During the on-site investigation, fuel lines were found clear of blockages, filters were clean, and fuel samples showed no contamination. Both carburettor bowls were found dry. The engine was subsequently removed and bench-tested, performing satisfactorily, ruling out a mechanical failure. The investigation concluded that the engine stopped due to fuel starvation. Examination of the fuel system indicated that the only way fuel could be prevented from reaching the engine was if the circuit on/off valve in the cabin was in the OFF position. The valve is easily accessible to the pilot.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings from the collision with a rock. There were no injuries to the pilot, the sole occupant, and no other damage on the ground. The pilot's use of a safety harness and the relatively low impact forces contributed to the survivability of the accident.
Investigation Findings
The CAA investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and qualified, and the aircraft was maintained in accordance with regulations. No pre-existing mechanical defects or maintenance anomalies were found. The engine failure was solely due to fuel starvation.