Engine failure leads to forced landing of microlight near Rust de Winter

Casualties unknown • 400 metres past the end of runway 31 at a private aerodrome near Rust de Winter, ZA

A private scenic flight in a Windlass Aquilla ended in a forced landing in bushy terrain after the engine failed shortly after takeoff.

What happened

On 22 March 2008, a Windlass Aquilla microlight, registration ZU-DPR, was conducting a private scenic flight near a private aerodrome in the Rust de Winter area. The pilot, accompanied by a passenger, took off at 1600Z with an indicated airspeed of 55 mph. Shortly after rotation, the pilot observed insufficient engine power and a poor rate of climb. At an altitude of approximately 50 to 100 feet above ground level, the engine ceased functioning. Despite attempts to restart the engine, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing in an open, bushy area.

During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck a thorn bush, causing the nose wheel to dig into the ground before the aircraft came to a halt. The impact resulted in two injuries: the pilot sustained a minor injury to his right leg, while the passenger suffered a serious back injury. The aircraft sustained damage to its wing, propeller, and nose wheel.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine to identify the source of the power loss. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had 25 litres of fuel remaining at the time of the accident, ruling out fuel exhaustion. The engine was transported to a maintenance facility for a thorough inspection, including a borescope examination and testing of the spark plugs, magnetos, and fuel and oil lines. No mechanical defects, electrical failures, or obstructions were found, and the engine was subsequently operated successfully in the airframe.

Investigators also noted a significant discrepancy in the aircraft's cockpit configuration: the electrical switches on the instrument panel were installed in reverse of industry standards, meaning the 'ON' position was down and the 'OFF' position was up.

Findings

  • The pilot held a valid microlight licence and was correctly rated for the aircraft.
  • The aircraft's Authority to Fly Certificate was valid at the time of the incident.
  • The weather conditions were clear with good visibility (CAVOK) and did not contribute to the accident.
  • The reason for the engine failure could not be determined.
  • The instrument panel switches were installed in a manner contrary to aviation norms.

Safety action

  • It is recommended that the SACAA Certification Department consult with the aircraft manufacturer regarding build standard compliance, specifically concerning the installation of the instrument panel.
  • A recommendation was made to investigate the implementation of serial numbers for Warp Drive 3-bladed propellers to better monitor component changes on non-type certified aircraft.

Probable cause

An engine failure occurred shortly after takeoff, leading to an unsuccessful forced landing; the underlying cause of the engine failure remained undetermined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-03-22 Windlass Aquilla accident near 400 metres past the end of runway 31 at a private aerodrome near Rust de Winter, ZA?

A private scenic flight in a Windlass Aquilla ended in a forced landing in bushy terrain after the engine failed shortly after takeoff.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-03-22 involved a Windlass Aquilla, registration ZU-DPR, at 400 metres past the end of runway 31 at a private aerodrome near Rust de Winter, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine failure occurred shortly after takeoff, leading to an unsuccessful forced landing; the underlying cause of the engine failure remained undetermined.

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