Casualties unknown

2016-08-17: Cessna 152 — Bydgoszcz (EPBY), PL

Bydgoszcz (EPBY), PL

On August 17, 2016, a Cessna 152 was involved in an aviation accident near Bydgoszcz (EPBY), PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Omission of draining fuel sumps during the preflight inspection, which could have contributed to uneven engine operation and led to the aborted takeoff during the ground roll. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL)Primary reportUpdated 1785092869Data APIEditorial standards

On 17 August 2016, a Cessna 152 at Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo airport aborted takeoff due to uneven engine operation. The pilot later acknowledged not draining fuel sumps during the preflight inspection, contrary to the aircraft's flight manual procedures.

Incident Overview

On August 17, 2016, a Cessna 152 aircraft experienced an incident during its takeoff roll at Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo airport (EPBY). The pilot reported aborting the takeoff due to uneven engine operation. The aircraft then decelerated on the runway without external assistance.

Pilot Actions

According to the pilot's statement, the preflight inspection was performed inadequately. Specifically, the pilot omitted the step of draining fuel sumps and checking them for water and contaminants. The aircraft's flight manual requires that before each flight day and after every refueling, a small amount of fuel must be drained from both wing tanks and the fuel filter located in the engine compartment.

Cause of the Incident

The investigation determined that the omission of draining fuel sumps during the preflight inspection likely contributed to the uneven engine operation, leading to the aborted takeoff during the ground roll.

Preventive Measures

Following the incident, the entity conducting the investigation (Grafprom Aviation Sp. z o.o.) implemented two preventive actions: (1) training on aircraft refueling procedures and preflight inspections, and (2) increasing the frequency of checks matching the fuel sump drainage list with the fuel consumption register.

No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.

Probable cause

Omission of draining fuel sumps during the preflight inspection, which could have contributed to uneven engine operation and led to the aborted takeoff during the ground roll.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2016-2147/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.