What happened
On the afternoon of 8 May 2024, a private flight departing from Krugersdorp Aerodrome (FAKR) in Gauteng province ended in an aircraft accident. The pilot, operating an Orion Cub with registration ZU-COB, had taken off for a local flight with the intention of returning to the same aerodrome. After climbing to 6,30 and circling the area, the pilot began a turn to return to the airfield.
During the execution of this turn, the aircraft's engine ceased operation. The pilot attempted to restore power by activating the auxiliary fuel pump and switching between individual fuel tanks, but these efforts failed to restart the engine. Realizing the aircraft could not reach the runway, the pilot performed a precautionary landing on a farm located approximately 2 kilometers north of the aerodrome.
During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a trench, causing the left main landing gear to break off. Additionally, one of the wooden propeller blades was damaged. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) initiated an investigation into the occurrence. The inquiry examined the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the Orion Cub had only accumulated 3.6 airframe hours since its last inspection in February 2024. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, confirming a valid National Pilot Licence and medical certificate. Meteorological data indicated clear skies and good visibility at the time of the event.
Findings
- The engine stopped functioning immediately following the completion of a turn.
- The pilot's attempts to restart the engine using the auxiliary fuel pump and fuel tank selection were unsuccessful.
- The engine failure was the primary event that necessitated the forced landing.
- The structural damage to the aircraft was caused by the landing gear striking a trench during the landing roll.