What happened
On 2 progression of a firefighting mission on 22 November 2012, a Cessna 182R, registration ZS-KXJ, was operating near Koopmansfontein as a spotter aircraft. After spending approximately four hours monitoring a fire, the pilot began preparations to depart the area when the engine began to surge.
In an attempt to manage the engine instability, the pilot adjusted the mixture to rich and briefly regained smooth engine operation. The pilot then attempted to return to the Ulco mine airfield. However, the engine surged again, leading the pilot to suspect the fuel tanks were empty. Despite switching between fuel tanks and applying carburetor heat, the engine continued to malfunction.
Unable to reach the intended runway and facing a busy road, the pilot opted for a forced landing on an open farm. During the descent, the aircraft encountered power lines and subsequently struck trees with both the right and left wings. The aircraft skidded approximately 150 to 200 meters before coming to a halt. The pilot escaped without injury, while the passenger sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and flight history of the Cessna 182R. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft had been properly maintained, with all mandatory periodic inspections up to date. The weather at the time of the accident was clear with fair visibility, and meteorological conditions were not considered a contributing factor.
Upon inspecting the wreckage, investigators found that the fuel tanks were empty. While the left wing had been ruptured during the impact, there was no evidence of fuel spillage at the crash site, supporting the conclusion that the engine failure was not due to a leak.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion.
- The forced landing was unsuccessful in preventing significant damage to the aircraft, which suffered extensive damage to the wings and fuselage, along with the loss of the nose undercarriage.
- The pilot was properly licensed and rated for the aircraft type.
- The aircraft's maintenance records were in compliance with all regulatory requirements.