What happened
On 10 May 2019, an RT13B aircraft, registration ZU-FUO, departed from Volksrust Aerodrome in Mpumalanga, bound for a private game lodge near Mookgopong, Limpopo. The flight, operated under private regulations, carried a pilot and one passenger.
As the aircraft approached the destination, a witness—a licensed pilot employed at the lodge—observed the plane flying over the runway at approximately 700 feet above ground level. The aircraft appeared to be performing a fly-past to inspect the runway. However, as the pilot initiated a left turn at the end of the runway to join the down-wind leg, the engine began to lose power. The aircraft rapidly descended and struck a rocky hill located just north of the runway. The impact and a subsequent intense fire destroyed the aircraft, and two fatalities were recorded.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and fuel levels to determine the cause of the loss of power. Analysis of the fuel tanks revealed that the aircraft was operating with critically low reserves. Investigators found approximately 5.8 US gallons of usable fuel remaining in the tanks, with significant amounts of unuseable fuel also present.
Further examination of the aircraft's history noted that the pilot was the owner and had built the aircraft, which was registered as a non-type certificated aircraft. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's records, noting that while he had extensive flying experience, there were no recent records available regarding the renewal of his license or his most recent competency check for 2019.
Findings
- The engine likely suffered from fuel starvation during the left turn.
- The combination of low fuel levels and the steep angle of the turn prevented sufficient fuel from reaching the engine.
- The resulting loss of thrust left the aircraft unable to maintain altitude, leading to the impact with the terrain.