TWINCO FUEL

AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT

This discussion is to promote safety and not to establish liability.

CAA's report contains padding and repetition, so in the interest of clarity, I have paraphrased extensively.

Synopsis:

THE PILOT WHO IS ALSO THE OWNER of the aircraft was on a systems acceptance flight on the day of the accident and should the flight have been successful, he would have flown to Rustenburg.

According to the pilot, shortly after take-off from Runway 11 the aircraft experienced a power loss on the right hand engine. The pilot advised the ATC of the condition and intention to return to the aerodrome.

On downwind the left-hand engine also started losing power. The left-hand engine continued losing power. The speed on downwind was about 100 mph decreasing to a minimum of about 85 mph when turning base. Altitude decreased to about 100 ft AGL to maintain speed on short finals.

The aircraft required more and more right rudder on final approach. The aircraft hit the power lines at 30 ft AGL at about 450m from the threshold of Runway 11, this resulted in a loss of speed and the aircraft stalled.

The pilot and passenger sustained no injuries, however, the aircraft was substantially damaged.

The last MPI was certified on 29 January 2004 at 2396.8 flying hours. The aircraft had accumulated a further 0.35 flying hours since the last MPI.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the power loss on both engines was attributed to blocked fuel injector nozzles. The cause for the blockage could not be determined. Some water was found in the fuel filter but was regarded as not being sufficient to cause engine failure.

JIM'S COMMENTS

IT'S OBVIOUS - too much air in the tanks we all know that. Or maybe he had the fuel switched off. Or perhaps he was selected to empty tanks.