What happened
On 12 February 2013, an Extra EA-300/L, registration ZS-OLR, was conducting a private flight starting from the General Aviation Area of Cape Town International Airport. After performing several touch-and-go maneuvers at Fisantekraal Airfield, the pilot began a climb toward Stellenbosch Airfield. During this climb, the pilot attempted to switch the fuel source from the center tank to the wing tanks. However, the pilot inadvertently turned the fuel selector to the OFF position.
As the engine sputtered, the pilot realized the error and attempted to rectify the setting by engaging the electrical fuel boost pump and manually manipulating the selector. Despite these efforts, the selector remained stuck in the OFF position. Unable to reach an airfield, the pilot executed a forced landing in a clearing near the Kliphe and R304. The aircraft struck several trees at a low altitude, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, propeller, engine mount, and undercarriage. The pilot escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and the cockpit environment following the impact. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and that the engine had ceased operation due to fuel starvation. While investigators found evidence of microbial contamination in the fuel sample, this was ruled out as a contributing factor.
Further examination of the cockpit revealed that the fuel selector is positioned in a difficult-to-reach area on the right side of the aircraft, partially obstructed by a document holder. Additionally, the mechanism was found to be physically difficult to maneuver, particularly when attempting to move it out of the OFF position due to high spring tension. The pilot's actions were also scrutinized, noting that the physical requirement to use the left hand for fuel switching while the right hand maintains steering adds complexity to the task.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unsuccessful forced landing resulting from fuel starvation.
- The pilot utilized poor technique during the fuel switching process.
- The fuel selector mechanism was difficult to operate and located in an inconvenient position.
- The aircraft sustained significant structural damage upon impact with trees.