What happened
On 02 May 2008, a private VFR flight operating a Jabiru SP, registration ZU-JCR, was attempting to land at Fisantekraal Aerodrome. During the final approach to runway 32, the pilot encountered a sudden change in wind direction, necessitating a go-around. While climbing, the pilot broadcast a distress message on frequency 131.1 MHz, declaring a fuel emergency.
Shortly after this declaration, the engine ceased operation, causing the aircraft to lose altitude. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on a private farm north of Fisantekraal. During the descent, the aircraft touched down, bounced, and the spinner struck an electrical power pole. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over and come to rest in an inverted position. The collision resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and one serious injury (the passenger).
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance, fuel logs, and flight history. The investigation established that the aircraft was in a serviceable condition with a valid authority to fly. While the aircraft was equipped with an extended capacity tank holding 85 litres, the last recorded fuel uplift on 23 April 2008 was only 60 litres of AVGAS.
Investigators analyzed the flight duration since the last refueling. The aircraft had completed six flight legs totaling approximately 6.1 hours of flight time prior to the final leg. Based on the manufacturer's specifications for the Jabiru 2200 engine, which consumes between 15 and 21 litres per hour depending on power settings, the investigators determined that the total fuel required for the cumulative flight time exceeded the available fuel on board.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion during the go-around phase.
- The pilot's attention may have been diverted by the need to maintain control and avoid overhead wires, potentially leading to the collision with the power pole.
- The aircraft's fuel requirements for the total flight duration since the last uplift exceeded the 60 litres of fuel provided during that uplift.
- The impact with the electrical pole was severe enough to break the pole and cause substantial damage to the aircraft, including the collapse of the engine compartment into the cabin.