What happened
On August 18, 2012, a Neiva Paulistinha 56-C1, registration CS-ALB, operated by Aeroclube de Braga, departed Braga Aerodrome (LPBR) for a private leisure flight. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger. After a successful flight to Ponte de Lima and back, the pilot attempted a touch-and-go maneuver on runway 25.
During the maneuver, at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, the aircraft entered a tight left turn with a 45-degree bank angle. At the end of the runway, the engine lost power, causing the aircraft to nose down and strike the ground. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation established that the aircraft was properly maintained, certified, and within weight and balance limits. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or defects in the aircraft's systems. Medical and toxicological examinations confirmed that the pilot's performance was not impaired by any physiological factors.
Investigators focused on the fuel system, finding that while usable fuel remained on board, the engine had suffered from fuel starvation. Evidence from the upper tank indicated that the fuel selector valve had likely not been switched to the upper tank or both tanks during the flight, meaning the engine was running solely on the fuel available in the lower tank.
Findings
- The engine power loss was caused by improper fuel management and selection.
- The pilot failed to switch the fuel selector to the upper tank, leading to fuel starvation.
- The pilot's management of the engine failure during the attempt to return to the airfield was inadequate, resulting in a loss of control.
- The pilot had not practiced engine failure during take-off maneuvers in the recent past.
- The pilot's preparation for the flight and for handling the emergency was insufficient, noting a similar fuel-related engine failure experienced by the pilot four months prior.