History of Flight
On 18 December 2011, a private flight departed Secunda Aerodrome (FASC) bound for Kimberley (FAKM). The aircraft was a Cessna 206 (U206D), registration ZS-PLR, operated by Lojanama Aviation CC. The pilot, a 52-year-old commercial license holder with 2284 total flying hours (1689 on type), was accompanied by one passenger.
Approximately 46 minutes into the flight, the pilot observed the engine oil pressure drop to zero. He notified Kimberley Air Traffic Control of the issue and his intention to divert to the nearest airfield for a precautionary landing, selecting Parys Aerodrome (FAPY). Four minutes after this communication, the engine failed. The pilot executed a forced landing on a corn field located seven nautical miles south of FAPY. During the landing, the nose gear contacted soft ground and broke off, causing substantial damage to the nose gear, left wing tip, propeller, and bottom side of the engine cowling. The aircraft came to rest in a nose-down attitude. Weather conditions at the time were reported as wind 315° at 10 knots, temperature 24°C, visibility CAVOK, and no cloud.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were sustained by the pilot or passenger. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as described.
Engine Examination
The aircraft was recovered to an approved maintenance facility, where the engine was removed for examination. It was found that the engine had seized due to a complete loss of engine oil. The source of the oil leak was traced to a loose oil filter arm gland nut. The nut was wire locked, but appeared to have been improperly tightened before the wire locking was applied. The pilot reported that the pre-flight oil level check indicated normal levels.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was an unsuccessful forced landing after the engine failed in flight. A contributory factor was the failure of the engine lubrication system.