History of Flight
The pilot, the sole occupant, was conducting a private ferry flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) to Springs Aerodrome (FASI). After engine start and run-ups, the pilot received clearance for take-off on runway 29. According to the pilot, upon rotation the right engine lost power. He applied left rudder but could not maintain directional control; he then cut power to the left engine. The aircraft impacted the ground with the right wing first, veering to the right of the runway.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized overnight but released the following day. No other persons were on board.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was substantially damaged. The nose and right wing were destroyed. The left wing detached at the fuselage attachment point. The front windscreen was broken.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 70, held a Private Pilot Licence with 612.4 total flying hours. He was not type-rated on the Piper PA23-250 and had no multi-engine rating on his licence. No record indicated he had flown this type before.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, a 1955 Piper PA-23-250 (serial 27-2457), had total airframe hours of 5663 at the time of the accident. The last recorded maintenance (MPI) was on 28 March 2002. The Certificate of Airworthiness had been cancelled due to lack of maintenance records and non-payment of fees. A special flight permit was issued in April 2003 but no record of the flight exists.
Meteorological Information
Wind was 110° at 5 knots, visibility greater than 10 km, temperature 19°C, with nil cloud cover. Conditions were conducive to visual flight.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft impacted 30.3 meters from the initial contact point. Both propellers were bent backwards, consistent with slow rotation or windmilling. The right wingtip, right aileron, and nose dome detached during the impact sequence.
Tests and Research
On-site examination revealed both fuel selectors were set to the outboard main tanks, which were empty. No fuel was found in the carburettor bowls. Both engines were dismantled and tested; no evidence of failure was found. The flap lever was in the down position; the owner's handbook states flaps should be up for take-off.
Probable Cause
The probable cause is loss of power to both engines due to fuel starvation.