What happened
On the morning of 28 September 2024, a private flight departing from Heidelburg Airfield (FAHG) in Gauteng province was interrupted by a mechanical emergency. While cruising at 6,500 feet, the pilot of the De Havilland DH-82A, registration ZS-BGN, experienced a significant reduction in engine power.
The pilot immediately performed cockpit checks, verifying the fuel selector, magnetos, and mixture settings, but determined that the engine could not be recovered. After evaluating potential landing sites, the pilot bypassed a busy intersection on the R42 and instead targeted a gravel road on a nearby private farm. During the landing roll on the uneven dirt surface, the aircraft's main wheel struck a trench, causing the plane to flip onto its back. The pilot, who was uninjured, was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a severed propeller, a bent engine mount, and damage to the right wing, rudder, and fin. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft also possessed a valid Authority to Fly and had undergone a recent inspection in August 2024.
Findings
- The primary cause of the emergency was a significant reduction in engine power during the cruise phase of flight.
- The aircraft overturned because the main wheel encountered a trench on an uneven dirt road during the forced landing.
- The pilot's decision to avoid the R42/R551 intersection due to traffic was a factor in selecting the farm road landing site.