What happened
On 24 December 2009, a Bantam B2/2J, registration ZU-DDV, was conducting a local pleasure flight from the Jabulani Game Reserve private airstrip. The pilot and a passenger intended to fly over a nearby farm before returning to the same airstrip. While climbing at approximately 200 feet above the ground, the engine experienced a sudden and drastic drop in RPM. Due to the low altitude and insufficient airspeed, the pilot was unable to recover the aircraft, which subsequently struck the ground in a straight and level attitude. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft's fuselage, propeller, and landing gear. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the passenger escaped with minor injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components to determine the cause of the power loss. While an initial on-site visual inspection of the carburetor fuel bowl showed no obvious issues, subsequent laboratory testing provided critical evidence. The engine was transported to a specialist agent in George for bench testing. During these tests, the engine began running roughly and missing shortly after startup. Upon inspecting the carburetor bowl during the test, investigators discovered 12 ml of water mixed with dirty mogas, along with visible corrosion marks. The pilot had reported adding 25 litres of new 95 UL fuel to the existing 15 litres in the tanks just prior to departure, noting it was the first time using this specific fuel.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot losing control of the aircraft following an engine failure.
- Water contamination in the fuel served as the contributing factor that led to the engine failure.
- The aircraft was maintained according to regulations and was considered airworthy at the time of departure.
- The pilot held a valid private pilot license and a current medical certificate.
- The engine failure occurred at a critically low altitude, leaving no margin for an emergency landing or recovery.