What happened
On 12 September 2010, a private flight traveling from Omaruru to Eros Aerodrome experienced a critical emergency. While cruising at flight level 55, the pilot of the Lancair Legacy 2000, registration ZU-FCY, reported a sudden loss of engine power. Despite attempts to restart the engine by adjusting the fuel pump, the power loss persisted.
As the pilot searched for a suitable landing site, they identified a dirt road as a potential target. During the descent, the pilot encountered power lines directly in the flight path, necessitating an immediate left turn to avoid a collision. While attempting to realign with the road and aim for a landing past a cattle gate, the aircraft was unable to reach the pavement. The pilot deployed full flaps and landing gear at approximately 5 and 50 feet above ground level, but the aircraft ultimately struck bush-type terrain. The impact caused the landing gear to break off, and the aircraft came to rest upright approximately 50 meters from the initial contact point. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and performed a detailed teardown of the Teledyne Continental IO-550N engine. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was operating with valid flight authorities and that the pilot held a valid private pilot license.
Technical analysis of the engine revealed that the fuel system was functional, with no evidence of starvation or contamination, as fuel was still present in the fuel control unit and nozzles. The oil and spark plugs showed no signs of abnormal wear or overheating. However, inspectors noted that the engine RPM pick-up on the right-hand magneto was not properly secured with glue in its housing. While this could have caused erratic readings on the cockpit displays, the pilot reported that the power loss was sudden and without prior warning.
Findings
- The engine was in good mechanical condition with no identifiable mechanical failure found to have caused the power loss.
- The aircraft had ample fuel on board, and the fuel was of the correct grade and uncontaminated.
- The pilot successfully broadcast a Mayday call on the Eros tower frequency prior to the landing.
- An unsuccessful forced landing occurred following the in-flight engine malfunction.
- The engine RPM pick-up was found to be only partially secured in its housing.