Engine Failure and Smoke Obscuration Lead to Forced Landing of Rockwell Commander

Casualties unknown • 1.7 NM West of Mosselbay Aerodrome, ZA

A private flight from Stillbaai to Mosselbay ended in a hard forced landing after engine failure and cockpit smoke obscured the pilot's vision.

What happened

On 16 December 2014, a Rockwell Commander 114, registration ZS-JRP, was conducting a private flight from Stillbaai Aerodrome to Mosselbay Aerodrome. During the flight, the pilot noticed smoke entering the cockpit accompanied by the smell of burning electrical insulation. In response, the pilot turned the master switch to the "off" position, which temporarily cleared the smoke.

However, while flying at approximately 350ft AGL near Herbertsdale road, the engine suddenly ceased operation, and smoke once again filled the cockpit. Unable to reach Mosselbay Aerodrome due to the low altitude, the pilot initiated a forced landing in a grassland area on a private farm. To maintain visual contact with the landing site, the pilot performed a side-slip maneuver. The aircraft struck the ground with significant force, causing the main landing gear to separate from the airframe and the nose gear to collapse through the cockpit floor. A post-impact fire erupted in the engine compartment, though it was quickly extinguished by local fire services.

The investigation

SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and the flight history of the aircraft. The investigation noted that the aircraft had recently undergone engine maintenance and a test flight. Investigators analyzed the impact dynamics, noting that the engine thrust mounts failed during the landing, causing the engine to shift and strike the wiring loom, which contributed to the post-impact fire. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the aircraft's maintenance records, finding the pilot's licenses and the aircraft's airworthiness certificates to be valid at the time of the occurrence.

Findings

  • The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger suffered serious back injuries due to the impact and the nose gear penetrating the cockpit floor.
  • The forced landing was unsuccessful because the pilot was performing a side-slip maneuver on unsuitable terrain.
  • Excessive smoke in the cockpit obscured the pilot's vision, making the landing more difficult.
  • The specific origin of the smoke and the exact cause of the engine failure could not be determined due to the damage caused by the engine fire.

Probable cause

An unsuccessful forced landing resulting from an engine stoppage and the pilot's impaired vision caused by smoke originating from an undetermined engine fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-12-16 Rockwell Commander 114 accident near 1.7 NM West of Mosselbay Aerodrome, ZA?

A private flight from Stillbaai to Mosselbay ended in a hard forced landing after engine failure and cockpit smoke obscured the pilot's vision.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-12-16 involved a Rockwell Commander 114, registration ZS-JRP, at 1.7 NM West of Mosselbay Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An unsuccessful forced landing resulting from an engine stoppage and the pilot's impaired vision caused by smoke originating from an undetermined engine fire.

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