What happened
On 12 October 2010, a Windlass Aquilla, registration ZU-BWU, departed from Brits Aerodrome for a private local flight. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, began the flight with 30 litres of fuel on board. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 4600’ AMSL, the aircraft suffered a sudden loss of engine power over a farm located roughly 5nm northwest of the aerodrome.
Faced with the engine failure, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in an open field. During the touchdown, the landing gear encountered rough terrain, causing the pilot to lose control. The aircraft subsequently flipped onto its right side. Despite the impact, the pilot, who was properly restrained by safety harnesses, exited the aircraft with no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances of the engine failure and the subsequent impact. The aircraft, which had sustained substantial damage to its propeller, wings, and spreader bar, was recovered to an approved person for technical inspection. Investigators reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a valid microlight license and medical certificate, and confirmed that the weather conditions—characterized by calm winds and clear visibility—were not contributing factors to the accident.
Findings
Technical analysis of the aircraft's engine and fuel system revealed that the primary cause of the power loss was contaminated fuel within the system. This contamination led to the engine failure, which necessitated the forced landing. The unsuccessful nature of the landing itself was attributed to the aircraft encountering uneven ground during the emergency procedure, resulting in the rollover.