What happened
On 19 December 2008, a Piper PA28-140, registration ZS-EXI, was performing a private flight under visual flight rules from Fly Inn Aerodrome in Gauteng. Shortly after lifting off from runway 24, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power at an altitude of approximately 20 feet.
The pilot attempted an emergency landing back on the runway; however, the aircraft could not be stopped before reaching the end of the pavement. The aircraft overran the runway by roughly 50 meters, entering freshly ploughed agricultural land. Upon entering the soft soil, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft sustained minor structural damage to the nose section and a propeller strike. The pilot escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID revealed that the aircraft was not in compliance with the airworthiness requirements specified in the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS). Specifically, the aircraft was fitted with a Lycoming O-320-D2A engine, whereas the approved configuration required a Lycoming O-320-E2A. This unauthorized conversion was intended to increase horsepower for better climb performance, but it was performed without approved modification documentation.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft's fuel gauges were unserviceable, and no warning placard was present to alert the pilot. Because the engine modification changed the fuel consumption characteristics, and the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) had not been updated with these new specifications, the pilot relied on inaccurate data for flight planning.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was fuel starvation, which led to the engine failure.
- The left fuel tank was extremely low, causing air to be ingested into the fuel lines.
- The pilot'ed flight planning based on incorrect fuel consumption data because the POH lacked supplements regarding the modified engine's higher fuel burn.
- The aircraft was operating with unapproved engine modifications and an unapproved exhaust system.
- The pilot lacked calibrated tools to verify the actual fuel quantity on board, relying instead on a visual inspection.
- The lack of security fencing at the end of the runway presented a significant risk to any pedestrians or vehicles on the adjacent dirt road.