Piper PA 22-108 Forced Landing in Maize Field Near Springs, South Africa (ZS-IPA)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 24 November 2009, a Piper PA 22-108, registration ZS-IPA, departed Fly Inn private aerodrome in Gauteng province for a private repositioning flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to Springs aerodrome. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported an uneventful takeoff. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, at 5,500 feet above ground level, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power and the aircraft could not maintain altitude. Suspecting fuel starvation, the pilot switched the fuel selector from the left tank to the right, but engine RPM continued to drop. The pilot then initiated an emergency landing in an open maize field near Springs. During the landing roll, the left main gear collapsed, and the aircraft came to rest approximately 85 meters from the initial touchdown point. The pilot disembarked without injury. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Background The aircraft, a two-seat, single-engine, high-wing monoplane, was owned by the pilot. It had a total airframe time of 7,782.44 hours at the time of the accident. The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was certified on 4 November 2009 by a CAA-approved Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) at Fly Inn aerodrome, making the accident flight the first flight after the inspection. The engine was a Lycoming O-235C1B, and the propeller was a Sensenich M76AM2. ## Investigation Findings During the on-site investigation, investigators found AVGAS LL 100 in both fuel tanks, with no abnormalities detected in fuel samples. The propeller was difficult to rotate, suggesting the engine may have seized. No engine oil was detected on the dipstick. Subsequent inspection revealed that the flexible oil supply line pipe had fractured, likely due to extended operation and cracking. The manufacturer specified that this part (part no. 71061-00) must not exceed 1,000 hours of service and must be inspected during maintenance intervals. The oil pipe had exceeded 1,000 hours, and the inspection had been performed just prior to the accident flight. The AMO had no record of when the oil pipe was last replaced, despite maintaining the aircraft since 2006. ## Damage and Safety Aspects The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a broken left main gear, a damaged left wing, and a substantially damaged nose gear strut. Both fuel tanks remained intact and contained approximately 62 liters of fuel. The accident was considered survivable due to no cockpit damage and the pilot being properly restrained. There was no evidence of pre- or post-impact fire. The pilot held a valid Airline Transport licence with 5,358 total flying hours and 28 hours on type. Weather conditions were clear with a temperature of 27°C, and were not a factor in the accident.