History of Flight
On 30 April 2012, the pilot of a Jabiru UL (registration ZU-FHO) departed Margate Aerodrome (FAMG) for Springs Aerodrome (FASI). The aircraft had been at the Jabiru manufacturer in George for fuel tank modifications and a FADEC fuel injection system upgrade. The pilot had originally departed George Aerodrome but diverted to Margate due to weather and overnighted there. En route to Springs, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing approximately one kilometre south-east of Nagle Dam in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. During the landing on uneven ground, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot was injured and admitted to hospital with spinal injuries.
Investigation Findings
On-site examination revealed that the scat hose connecting the cowling air intake to the engine's fuel control system was not connected. The scat hose had been clamped, but investigators opined it became dislodged due to vibration and the tapered shape of the cowling connection. Additionally, the steel wire reinforcing at the end of the scat hose had been removed to increase flexibility for fitting. An engine test at the manufacturer on 11 June 2012 found the engine operated normally when the scat hose was properly connected. However, when the scat hose was closed (collapsed), the engine immediately stopped, confirming air starvation as the cause of power loss.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Jabiru UL120 (serial number 050, manufactured 2010), had a total airframe time of 164.1 hours. The engine was a Jabiru 2200 (serial 22A3315). The pilot, a 56-year-old British male, held a valid Microlight Aeroplane Pilot licence with type endorsement and had 308.5 total flying hours, including 149.2 hours on type. The flight was operated under private category. Weather at the time was reported as temperature 21°C, light and variable wind, broken cloud cover, good visibility.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right wing flaps, left wing, propeller, flight control system, landing gear, and horizontal stabiliser. No other damage occurred. The pilot was the sole occupant and was injured; no fatalities were reported.
Probable Cause
Unsuccessful forced landing due to air starvation. Contributing factors: Poor maintenance that caused scat hose to fail and collapse.