What happened
The aircraft experienced an engine failure that resulted in an emergency landing within a river. Prior to the flight, the pilot reported being unable to determine the exact fuel quantity available for takeoff. This uncertainty stemmed from a broken cap on the right fuel tank, which prevented accurate measurement.
Despite the pilot's knowledge of the compromised fuel cap and the resulting inability to verify fuel levels, the operator instructed the pilot to proceed with the flight. The decision to fly under these conditions directly preceded the engine failure and subsequent water landing.
The investigation
Investigations into the incident focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the operational decisions leading up to the event. Key findings included:
- A broken cap on the right fuel tank that inhibited accurate fuel quantity determination.
- Operator directives to fly the aircraft despite known deficiencies in fuel measurement capabilities.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident involved both mechanical issues and operational pressures. The broken fuel cap created a situation where fuel levels could not be verified, leading to potential fuel exhaustion. Furthermore, the operator's decision to authorize flight with this known defect played a critical role in the sequence of events.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of accurate fuel management and the necessity of refusing flight operations when fuel quantities cannot be reliably determined. Operators must prioritize safety over operational demands when aircraft systems are compromised.