What happened
On the morning of 1 April 2008, a private Lancair Legacy 2000, registration ZU-EFC, departed Virginia Aerodrome with the pilot intending to fly to Newcastle. During the flight, the pilot established contact with Lanseria Aerodrome control, stating he was inbound from the Vaal area. Shortly thereafter, the pilot declared a Mayday, reporting fire and smoke inside the cockpit.
Following the emergency declaration, communication between the pilot and air traffic control ceased. Search and rescue operations were initiated, and the wreckage was discovered approximately 90 minutes later in the Krugersdorp Nature Reserve. The aircraft had impacted rocky terrain, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine, a Teledyne Continental IO-550 Experimental. The investigation focused on the engine's condition and the circumstances leading to the loss of control. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing white smoke trailing the aircraft and observed an object, later identified as a jacket, falling from the cockpit area. It is believed the pilot may have used the garment to block smoke from entering the cabin to maintain visibility.
Investigators also reviewed maintenance records, which revealed that the aircraft's Authority to Fly was invalid at the time of the accident. Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft was not being maintained according to prescribed standards and that flight logs were not kept up to date.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an uncontained engine failure involving the failure of the number 2 conrod assembly.
- The engine failure resulted in smoke entering the cockpit, which significantly reduced the pilot's visibility.
- The pilot attempted a forced landing on rocky terrain, which was unsuccessful.
- The pilot provided inaccurate destination information to the initial departure controller.
- The aircraft was not being maintained in accordance with required safety standards.