Engine failure during sightseeing flight near Zielona Góra

Casualties unknown • EPZG, PL

An ultralight aircraft experienced an engine failure during a recreational flight, leading to an emergency landing at Babimost airport.

What happened

On July 4, 2015, an ultralight Virus aircraft departed from the Powodowo landing field at 17:01 UTC for the purpose of conducting sightseeing flights in the local area. The aircraft was occupied by a pilot and one passenger.

During the flight, the engine ceased operation. The pilot was unable to restart the engine while airborne. At approximately 19:26 UTC, while positioned about 3.7 km southwest of the EPZG (Zielona Bogoria/Babimost) aerodrome, the pilot reported engine difficulties and declared the intention to land at the airport. At 19:28 UTC, the aircraft landed on the airport grounds approximately 200 meters before the threshold of runway 06. Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained injuries, and the aircraft remained undamaged.

After the aircraft was moved onto the active runway, the engine was successfully restarted without difficulty. The aircraft subsequently departed at 19:48 UTC, intending to return to Powodowo, and landed safely at the original departure site at 19:54 UTC.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the period of engine malfunction and the subsequent landing. Following the event, the engine-driven fuel pump was replaced, as it was identified as a potential source of the malfunction.

Probable cause

The probable cause of the engine issues was a malfunction of the engine-driven fuel pump.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-07-04 Virus accident near EPZG, PL?

An ultralight aircraft experienced an engine failure during a recreational flight, leading to an emergency landing at Babimost airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-07-04 involved a Virus, at EPZG, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The probable cause of the engine issues was a malfunction of the engine-driven fuel pump.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-1243/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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