What happened
On 17 April 2023, a De Havilland DHC-22 (Veteran) aircraft, registration ZS-URC, was conducting a scenic flight near Wings Park Aerodrome in the Eastern Cape. The flight was intended to be a local trip towards Stutterheim under visual meteorological conditions.
While cruising at approximately 1,400 feet and roughly 6 kilometers from the aerodrome, the engine experienced an uncommanded idle. The pilot attempted to rectify the issue by applying carburettor heat and attempting a restart, but the engine failed to recover. Faced with a loss of power, the pilot identified a landing spot on a nearby farm. During the maneuver, the pilot elected to change the intended touchdown point, but the aircraft fell short of the second chosen area. During the final approach, the aircraft's right wing struck trees, causing the plane to come to an immediate halt. The pilot sustained minor injuries, specifically bruises from the safety harness, and had to manually dislodge the canopy to escape the cockpit.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and flight records to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a broken propeller and a torn empennage. The investigators also reviewed the maintenance history of the aircraft and the credentials of the pilot and the maintenance organization.
Findings
- The engine power decreased unexpectedly without pilot input.
- The pilot's attempt to restart the engine was unsuccessful.
- The aircraft's right wing collided with trees during the forced landing.
- The aircraft's Certificate of Release to Service (CRS) had lapsed by 14 days, as the flight occurred past the calendar expiry date established during the last annual inspection.