What happened
On 13 September 2014, an introductory training flight at Springs Airfield (FASI) ended in a crash after the aircraft's engine lost power during the initial climb. The Scheibe SF 25B glider, registration ZS-GVE, was being operated by an instructor and a student pilot under favorable visual meteorological conditions.
Shortly after departing from Runway 03, the aircraft reached approximately 150 feet above ground level when the engine stopped. The instructor attempted several restart procedures, including checking the fuel lock and pump and using the choke; while the engine briefly regained power, it failed again shortly after. In an attempt to avoid built-up areas, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft, which subsequently entered an incipient spin. Due to the low altitude, recovery was impossible, and the aircraft struck a perimeter fence, causing substantial damage to the airframe.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID focused on the mechanical failure of the engine and the subsequent flight path. Technical analysis of the engine revealed that the primary cause of the power loss was fuel starvation. Specifically, the mechanical fuel pump had failed because a critical pivot pin was missing, a defect that likely existed prior to the flight.
While the aircraft was able to taxi using gravity-fed fuel, the nose-up attitude during the climb prevented sufficient fuel flow. Although a secondary electrical pump was available, investigators could not determine why it failed to provide the necessary fuel to prevent the stoppage. The investigation also noted that the pilot's attempt to return to the airfield resulted in the loss of control.
Findings
- The engine stopped during the climb due to fuel starvation.
- A mechanical failure in the fuel pump, specifically a missing pivot pin, prevented adequate fuel delivery during flight.
- The pilot and student pilot both sustained serious injuries.
- The aircraft's descent into a spin was exacerbated by insufficient altitude to recover following the engine failure.