What happened
On August 3, 2016, at approximately 07:44 local time, a Tecnam P2008JC, registration SP-LFC, was conducting a training flight at Piotrków Trybunalski Airport (EPPT). The crew consisted of a flight instructor and a student pilot. After completing a standard circuit and landing, the crew performed an immediate takeoff from the apron.
Shortly after liftoff, the engine RPM spontaneously decreased, and the engine began to run unevenly. The instructor noted that the engine was surging and sputtering before losing thrust entirely. The instructor took control of the aircraft and attempted to maintain flight, but despite executing a right turn and attempting to level the aircraft, the plane lost altitude and struck the ground on the airfield premises.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the sequence of events following the engine failure. The investigation established that the aircraft had undergone a pre-flight inspection where fuel and oil levels were checked; while the oil level was within limits, it was noted as being low, and the crew opted to top it up. During the takeoff roll, the electric fuel pump had been left in the 'on' position.
Following the impact, the student pilot followed the instructor's orders to shut down the electrical systems and close the fuel valve. However, the investigation revealed that the connection between the fuel valve knob and the valve itself had been severed during the crash, meaning the valve remained in the open position despite the knob being turned.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained serious damage during the impact.
- The flight instructor sustained serious injuries, while the student pilot remained uninjured.
- The primary cause of the accident was a sudden loss of engine power during the initial climb phase.
- The engine failed to respond to throttle inputs during the emergency.