Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing in Bethlehem Residential Area

Casualties unknown • Panorama residential area, Bethlehem, ZA

A Piper PA-34-200T experienced a left-engine failure shortly after takeoff from Bethlehem, resulting in a forced landing that ended in a residential street.

What happened

On 8 October 2012, a Piper-34-200T, registration ZS-KFT, departed from Runway 12 at Bethlehem Aerodrome (FABM) on a ferry flight destined for Lanseria International Airport. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to approximately 250 feet, the left engine experienced a sudden drop in RPM. The pilot attempted to compensate by increasing power to both engines, but the left engine failed completely.

Unable to maintain altitude and facing a rapid loss of height, the pilot attempted to return to the runway but was forced to execute an emergency landing in an open field west of the aerodrome. During the landing sequence, the aircraft rolled for approximately 400 metres, crossed a ditch, and struck a fence and a streetlight pole. The aircraft eventually came to rest on a road within the Panorama residential area. The impact with the pole caused the left engine propeller to separate from the engine. The pilot, the sole occupant, escaped the wreckage without injury.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's fuel system configuration. The investigation focused on why the left engine lost power and why the aircraft was unable to maintain flight on a single engine. Physical inspections of the cockpit revealed that the propeller pitch levers were in the full forward position, indicating that the pilot had not feathered the inoperative engine as required by the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH).

Furthermore, investigators discovered that both fuel selectors were set to the cross-feed position. This configuration, which is prohibited during takeoff according to the POH, was found to be a significant factor in the engine's performance loss.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the unsuccessful forced landing was the loss of engine power combined with the failure to feather the inoperative engine.
  • A major contributing factor was fuel mismanagement, specifically taking off with both fuel selectors in the cross-feed position.
  • The fuel configuration likely caused a vapour lock in the left engine.
  • The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the landing gear and propellers, and damage to local infrastructure including a streetlight pole and fencing.

Probable cause

The engine power loss led to an unsuccessful forced landing, exacerbated by the pilot's failure to feather the propeller of the inoperative engine and the improper use of the fuel cross-feed setting during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-10-08 Piper-34-200T accident near Panorama residential area, Bethlehem, ZA?

A Piper PA-34-200T experienced a left-engine failure shortly after takeoff from Bethlehem, resulting in a forced landing that ended in a residential street.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-10-08 involved a Piper-34-200T, registration ZS-KFT, at Panorama residential area, Bethlehem, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine power loss led to an unsuccessful forced landing, exacerbated by the pilot's failure to feather the propeller of the inoperative engine and the improper use of the fuel cross-feed setting during takeoff.

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