You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Tuesday 1 April 2025 |
| Time: | 09:28 UTC |
| Type: |  Thrush S2R-H80 |
| Owner/operator: | |
| Registration: | ZS-IOG |
| MSN: | H80-157 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | 4 nm NE of Komati Sugar Mill -
 South Africa
|
| Phase: | Unknown |
| Nature: | Agricultural |
| Departure airport: | Private Airstrip Komatipoort |
| Private Airstrip Komatipoort | |
| Investigating agency: | CAA S.A. |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The Thrush S2R-H80 aircraft with registration ZS-IOG was engaged in a crop-spraying flight from a private airstrip near Komati Sugar Mill in Komatipoort,
The aircraft had completed about 50 spray-run applications. During the right-side turn in preparation for the last spray-run (51) application at bout 80ft AGL, the pilot noticed a decrease in engine power and a significant loss of thrust.
He instantly pushed the throttle to full forward to regain maximum power, but the engine power did not improve. He then jettisoned the remaining chemical load and performed a forced landing on the grass-covered area outside the sugar cane farm. The tail gear assembly broke off during the accident sequence, and the aircraft came to rest in an upright position; it faced south when it rested. The overall damage to aircraft was substantial. The pilot turned off the master and fuel switches and vacated the aircraft unassisted; he was not injured.
Probable Cause
The engine power loss was due to fuel starvation following a skidding right turn, which resulted in fuel flowing away from the supply line pick-ups in the left tank. This caused the fuel pump to cavitate and suck air into the system and, thus, the subsequent loss of engine power, followed by an unsuccessful forced landing on the grass-covered area.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
SACAA
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 24-Jun-2025 13:42 | ASN | Added |
| 24-Jun-2025 13:44 | ASN | Updated [Location, Nature, Departure airport, Narrative, ] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation