What happened
On 23 July 2010, a pilot and a passenger departed from a private airstrip in Centurion, Gauteng, for a recreational flight toward Crystal Springs. During the descent phase of the flight, the pilot reduced engine power in preparation for landing. Upon attempting to increase throttle, the engine failed to respond, resulting in a loss of power.
The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing in a deforemented area characterized by boulders and tree stumps. While the initial touchdown was smooth, the aircraft's right main wheel struck a tree stump, causing the aircraft to tilt. This movement resulted in the main rotor making contact with the ground. The Auto Gyro Europe MT-03, registration ZU-TMA, sustained significant damage to its main rotor, along with minor damage to the engine crankcase, rear fuselage, and tailplane. Both occupants of the aircraft escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system and flight mechanics to determine the cause of the power loss. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid microlight license and medical certificate, and the aircraft's maintenance records showed compliance with all regulatory requirements. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with good visibility and light winds, and were ruled out as contributing factors.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by fuel starvation.
- The aircraft's 50-liter fuel tank features a single fuel pick-up point located only at the rear of the tank.
- At the time of the incident, approximately 18 liters of fuel remained in the tank.
- During the descent, the remaining fuel shifted toward the forward section of the tank, leaving the rear pick-up point dry.
- While the fuel level is sufficient to cover the pick-up point during level flight or climbing, the descent geometry prevents fuel from reaching the intake.
Safety action
- It is recommended that the manufacturer implement a modification to the fuel tank design to include an additional pick-up point at the forward end of the tank to prevent future occurrences of fuel starvation during descent.