What happened
On 15 September 2014, a Cessna 210, registration ZS-EJB, departed from Nelspruit Aerodrome to perform duties as a spotter pilot for a firefighting operation. After approximately 3.2 hours of flight time, the aircraft engine began to sputter. Recognizing a fuel shortage, the pilot attempted to switch fuel supply from the right tank to the left tank. However, the pilot failed to activate the fuel pump selector to the "ON" position during this transition, leading to immediate fuel starvation.
With the engine failing at approximately 800 feet above ground level, the pilot initiated an emergency forced landing in an open field roughly 20km northeast of Nelspert Aerodrome. During the touchdown, the aircraft struck a hidden tree stump, causing the nose wheel to detach and the aircraft to nose over into an inverted position. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was treated for shock.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation confirmed that the Cessna 210 was properly maintained, with a valid certificate of airworthiness and all mandatory periodic inspections up to date. Meteorological data indicated fair weather conditions with a light north-easterly wind, ruling out weather as a contributing factor.
Upon inspecting the fuel system, investigators found that while the left-hand tank contained usable avgas, the fuel pump selector was found in the "OFF" position. This confirmed that the engine was not receiving fuel from the remaining supply due to the manual error during the tank switch.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel starvation caused by the pilot'omission of the required fuel pump activation.
- The pilot failed to follow the manufacturer's placard instructions, which mandate switching the fuel pump to "ON" when changing tanks to ensure positive fuel flow.
- The unsuccessful forced landing was exacerbated by the impact with a hidden tree stump, which resulted in extensive damage to the wings, propeller, stabilizers, and the loss of the nose wheel.