Engine Failure Leads to Water Ditching of Super Decathlon in North West Province

Casualties unknown • Roodekoppies Dam, ZA

An American-registered aircraft lost engine power while flying at low altitude over Roodekoppies Dam, resulting in a water ditching and the pilot's escape.

What happened

On 16 July 2018, an American-registered Super Decathlon 8KCAB BL30, registration N53757, was conducting a scenic flight over Roodekoppies Dam in the North West Province. The aircraft was part of a two-plane group traveling from Mwana Private Airstrip to Brits Airfield for refueling. While flying at an altitude of approximately 400 feet, the pilot experienced engine roughness followed by a total loss of power.

Unable to maintain flight or clear the shoreline due to insufficient height, the pilot initiated a ditching into the dam. Eyewitnesses on the northern bank observed the red and white aircraft descending rapidly and striking the water surface with its front wheels at high speed, causing the plane to flip and sink. The pilot successfully exited the aircraft through the right-hand door and swam to the shore, where he was later rescued by a helicopter. There were no injuries to the pilot.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components. The aircraft had been imported to South Africa in 201 and had not been deregistered from the USA or registered with the SACAA. While the aircraft's maintenance was performed by FAA-approved personnel, the investigation noted that the engine was moved for inspection by an authorized maintenance organization before investigators could examine it.

Technical analysis of the engine revealed no internal or external damage that could explain the sudden power loss. Furthermore, a review of FAA advisory circulars regarding reciprocating engine power loss could not provide a definitive reason for the failure. The investigation also noted that the pilot did not initially report the accident to the authorities, citing confusion over reporting procedures for a foreign-registered aircraft.

Findings

  • The engine failure was the primary reason the aircraft lost altitude and impacted the water.
  • The aircraft was operating at an exceptionally low altitude during the flight.
  • The engine lost power and subsequently stopped, but the specific cause of this failure remains undetermined.
  • The aircraft had sufficient fuel for the intended flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft's engine lost power and ceased running, leading to a loss of altitude and the subsequent ditching into the water; the underlying cause of the engine failure could not be established.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-07-16 Super Decathlon 8KCAB BL30 accident near Roodekoppies Dam, ZA?

An American-registered aircraft lost engine power while flying at low altitude over Roodekoppies Dam, resulting in a water ditching and the pilot's escape.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-07-16 involved a Super Decathlon 8KCAB BL30, registration N53757, at Roodekoppies Dam, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's engine lost power and ceased running, leading to a loss of altitude and the subsequent ditching into the water; the underlying cause of the engine failure could not be established.

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