What happened
On the morning of 30 October 2020, a Zenith CH650 aircraft, registration ZU-IIJ, was conducting a local scenic flight departing from Paradise Beach Aerodrome (FAPX) in the Eastern Cape. The flight, operated under private provisions, included the pilot and one passenger. During the return leg, while the aircraft was positioned on the right base leg for Runway 26, the pilot reported experiencing intense vibrations that appeared to originate from the propeller. The digital RPM gauge began displaying erratic, flickering readings.
As the aircraft descended to approximately 200 feet above ground level, the engine ceased operation entirely. Due to a high rate of descent, the pilot was unable to reach the runway threshold and instead executed a forced landing into a densely vegetated area of fynbos. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, including a broken landing gear and a deformed wing. The two occupants sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment at the scene.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had been maintained by an approved person, with the most recent annual inspection completed shortly before the flight. Technical examination of the propeller assembly showed that the hub and pitch change motor were functional, though one propeller blade showed impact damage.
Regarding the engine, while the wreckage was sold prior to a formal engine examination, the owner noted the engine appeared to rotate normally. Investigators also verified that the fuel tanks contained a sufficient quantity of clean, uncontaminated fuel and that all flight controls and engine controls were intact and correctly connected prior to the event.
Findings
- The engine stoppage occurred during the descent phase of the flight.
- Meteorological data indicated conditions with a temperature of 18°C and a dew point of 9°C, which presented a high probability for carburettor icing during descent.
- The pilot experienced severe vibrations and fluctuating RPM readings immediately preceding the engine failure.
- The investigation could not definitively identify the exact cause of the stoppage but noted that carburettor icing is a highly probable cause that would lead to the observed engine splatter and vibration.