What happened
On May 8, 2018, a pilot operating a Socata Rallye 235 C was performing glider towing operations at Lisie Kąty aerodrome. The flight sequence began with a takeoff from runway 13 at approximately 14:20 LMT, involving a glider-tow formation. The initial climb phase proceeded without incident.
During the climb, after passing 40 and performing a turn into the wind, the pilot retracted the flaps, reduced power, feathered the propeller, and deactivated the fuel pump. Shortly after reaching an altitude of approximately 500 ft, the engine failed. The pilot maintained airspeed and directed the aircraft toward an adjacent field to perform an emergency landing. During the procedure, the pilot activated the electric fuel pump and the starter while broadcasting an engine failure message via radio. The glider pilot successfully released from the tow and returned to the aerodrome for a safe landing.
Following the initial unsuccessful engine restart attempt, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the right tank and successfully restarted the engine. After verifying engine parameters and ensuring stable flight, the pilot transitioned to a climb and returned to the aerodrome, landing safely on runway 31. Upon completing the landing roll, the pilot inspected the fuel levels and discovered that the left fuel tank was empty, noting that the initial takeoff had been performed using that tank.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of engine failure and the subsequent fuel depletion. The inquiry established that the engine failure occurred during the climb phase following standard power reduction procedures. The investigation confirmed that the left fuel tank had been completely exhausted at the time of the incident.