Accident Overview
On 15 July 2011 at approximately 1450Z, a Tecnam P92-S ECHO aircraft, registered ZU-DHF, was involved in an accident near Kitty Hawk Aero Estate (FAKT) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The aircraft was conducting an acceptance flight following an annual inspection. The pilot, a 22-year-old commercial pilot with 260 total flying hours (40 on type), was accompanied by a passenger.
Sequence of Events
The pilot taxied the aircraft to the holding point and performed engine runs, observing no abnormal readings. The aircraft then lined up for takeoff on Runway 19. After takeoff, at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine began to splutter and subsequently stopped. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. He then executed a forced landing on an open, uneven field located about one mile east of Kitty Hawk Aero Estate.
Damage and Injuries
During the forced landing, the left main wheel broke off and the left wing contacted the ground. The aircraft sustained damage to the undercarriage, left hand wing, elevator, and tail cone. Both occupants were uninjured.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the engine had stopped due to fuel starvation. The probable cause of the accident was an unsuccessful forced landing in an uneven field following fuel starvation, with the contributory factor being fuel mismanagement.