What happened
On 13 June 2015, a training flight departing from Krugersdorp aerodrome (FAKR) was interrupted by a sudden mechanical failure. The aircraft, a X320 Sportscruiser registered as ZU-MEW, was being operated by an instructor and a student pilot under visual meteorological conditions. After climbing to 6,000 feet above mean sea level and heading northwest toward Lanseria (FALA), the crew noticed a light mist filling the cabin, followed by oil appearing on the windshield.
Shortly thereafter, the engine ceased operation entirely. The instructor immediately took control of the aircraft and communicated the emergency to the FALA tower. To avoid interfering with other traffic on final approach, the instructor selected an available field for an emergency landing. The aircraft impacted rough, rocky terrain, causing the nose gear to break. The aircraft slid approximately seventy metres before coming to a halt. Both occupants escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components to determine the cause of the power loss. The investigation focused on the Rotax 912 U/S engine and its lubrication system. Physical evidence at the site showed damage to the wings, propeller, and landing gear, but no evidence of fire was found.
Technical scrutiny of the engine revealed that the crankcase had been breached by a connecting rod. The investigation also reviewed maintenance records, noting that a minor oil leak repair had been performed on the engine just days prior to the accident. The engine and propeller had both been in service since new, with approximately 1,696 flight hours recorded.