What happened
On 25 November 2012, a Piper PA31-350, registration ZS-JHN, departed Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) for an IFR flight to Tzaneen Aerodrome. While climbing through 9,000 feet, the pilot experienced a sudden failure of the left engine, accompanied by a drop in oil pressure and rising cylinder head temperatures. The pilot requested to level off and subsequently requested vectors to return to Grand Central.
During the return flight, the pilot reported seeing fire through the right engine cowling vents. As the aircraft struggled to maintain altitude, the pilot declared an emergency, reporting that both engines were compromised. Realizing the aircraft could not reach the runway, the pilot executed a wheels-up forced landing in an open field approximately 1nm north of the aerodrome. Upon impact, the aircraft skidded across uneven terrain. Although the pilot evacuated immediately, an intense fire that had started in flight engulfed the right wing and the fuselage, ultimately destroying the aircraft.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and fuel systems to determine the cause of the power loss and the subsequent fire. The investigation focused on the fuel levels and the pilot's recent flight history. It was noted that the pilot had completed a familiarization flight in the same aircraft just two days prior, which included high-power asymmetric flight exercises.
Findings
- The left engine failed due to fuel exhaustion in the main tank.
- While the left outboard tank remained full with approximately 40 gallons, the left main tank was empty.
- The fuel selectors for both the left and right sides were found in the main tank position.
- An in-flight fire originated in the right engine, though its exact cause remains undetermined.
- The pilot had not switched the fuel supply from the main tanks to the outboard tanks following the high-consumption training flight conducted on 23 November 2012.
- The pilot escaped the wreckage with no injuries.