Engine failure leads to emergency landing in Gauteng maize field

Casualties unknown • Open maize field near Springs, ZA

A Piper Colt experienced engine power loss during a repositioning flight, resulting in an emergency landing and substantial aircraft damage.

What happened

On 24 November 2009, a Piper Colt PA 22-108, registration ZS-IPA, was conducting a private repositioning flight from Fly Inn aerodrome to Springs aerodrome under Visual Flight Rules. Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, while cruising at 5,500 feet, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of engine power.

Suspecting fuel starvation, the pilot switched the fuel selector from the left tank to the right. However, the engine RPM continued to decline, making it impossible to maintain altitude. The pilot subsequently executed an emergency landing in an open maize field near Springs. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft came to a halt roughly 85 meters from the initial touchdown point. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, escaped the wreckage without any injuries.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's maintenance history. While the weather at the time of the accident was clear with good visibility, the investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine. Upon inspection, investigators found that the engine had likely seized and that there was no detectable engine oil on the dipstick.

Further technical examination revealed that a flexible oil supply line, which is protected by an outer sheath, had fractured. This specific component is subject to strict service life limits according to the manufacturer's manual. The investigation also reviewed the records of the Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) that had performed a 100-hour Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) on the aircraft just weeks prior to the accident.

Findings

  • The engine power loss was caused by the fracture of a flexible oil supply line, which led to a total loss of engine oil and subsequent engine seizure.
  • Although the aircraft had recently undergone a scheduled inspection, the maintenance provider failed to replace the oil line as required by the maintenance schedule.
  • The manufacturer's service manual stipulates that this specific oil pipe must not exceed 1,000 hours of service and must be replaced accordingly; however, the part in use had exceeded this limit.
  • The pilot was properly licensed and flying in accordance with all regulatory requirements.

Probable cause

The engine power loss led to an unsuccessful forced landing, contributed to by the maintenance organization's failure to replace a time-limited oil supply line during a scheduled inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-11-24 Piper Colt PA 22-108 accident near Open maize field near Springs, ZA?

A Piper Colt experienced engine power loss during a repositioning flight, resulting in an emergency landing and substantial aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-11-24 involved a Piper Colt PA 22-108, registration ZS-IPA, at Open maize field near Springs, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine power loss led to an unsuccessful forced landing, contributed to by the maintenance organization's failure to replace a time-limited oil supply line during a scheduled inspection.

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