SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY

INCIDENT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Date of Accident

23/7/2000

Time of Accident

1245Z

Aircraft Registration

ZS-NRH

Type of Aircraft

Jetstream 41

Pilot-in-command Licence Type

Airline Transport Licence

Licence Valid

Yes

Pilot-in-command Flying Experience

Total Flying Hours

8000.00

Total Hours on Type

4000.00

Type of Operation

Domestic Scheduled Flight

Operator’s Licence Number

S060D / N061D (Valid until 9/8/2000 at time of incident)

Last point of departure

George Airport

Next point of intended landing

Cape Town International Airport.

Location of the accident site with reference to easily defined geographical points (plus GPS readings if possible)

George Airport

Meteorological Information

The weather was fine and the temperature approximately +16°C

Number of people on board

1 + 2 + 20

No. of people injured

Nil

No. of people killed

Nil

Synopsis

Normal power and pre take-off checks were completed and the aircraft departed from Runway 11 on a Domestic Scheduled Flight from George Airport to Cape Town International Airport. However after take-off at approximately 700ft agl, the left-hand engine torque started decreasing from a set power of 78%. The pilot-in-command then advanced the power levers of both engines to attain climb power. The right-hand engine torque increased normally to 100%, but the left-hand engine torque increased slightly and then decreased to approximately 20%. The pilot-in-command feathered and shut down the left-hand engine and landed back safely on runway 11 at FAGG.

The aircraft was taxied back and parked at the apron when all four main wheels started deflating completely due to the wheel overheat protection system as full wheel brakes had to be used without engine thrust reverse application.

Probable Cause

The Fuel Control Unit drive was found defective.