Introduction
On 7 June 2018, a Tecnam P 2008 aircraft, registration SP-WBA, operated by Air Res Aviation Sp. z o.o., was involved in a serious incident at Rzeszów (EPRZ). During a training flight, the engine failed, and the crew executed an emergency landing on the A4 highway. No persons were injured and the aircraft sustained no damage.
Flight History
The pilot arrived at Jasionka airport at approximately 5:30 with the intention of conducting training flights. A safety pilot (instructor) joined around 5:40. Together they prepared the aircraft; the pilot performed a pre-flight inspection, but omitted draining the fuel sediment bowls and visually assessing fuel quality. After engine start and a successful run-up, the pilot requested taxi and takeoff from runway 27. The pilot completed one pattern and then began a touch-and-go for another circuit. After reporting a downwind position in a right-hand pattern, the controller cleared the pilot to land as number two. To maintain separation, the pilot extended the downwind leg. After the third turn, the pilot reduced power, deployed flaps, activated the auxiliary fuel pump, carburetor heat, landing light, and switched fuel tanks. Following the fourth turn at about 1,300 ft, full flaps were selected and the pilot called "final." Shortly thereafter, the pilot sensed an engine falter audibly without a change in RPM, then the propeller stopped. Assessing that the aircraft could not reach the runway, the crew initially considered landing next to the highway but decided to land on the A4 highway, which had light traffic at that time. The safety pilot broadcast a "mayday" call. The aircraft landed safely on the highway without damage. After stopping, the crew informed the tower and the training center, then evacuated the aircraft and pushed it into a lay-by. They directed traffic until emergency services arrived. Subsequently, the wings were removed and the aircraft transported to the operator's facility for inspection by the Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL).
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pre-flight inspection had not been fully performed: the pilot did not drain fuel from the sediment bowls nor visually check fuel quality. This omission was identified as the cause of the engine failure during the approach. The pilot held a valid PPL(A) license with SEP(L), MEP(L), and night ratings, and had a total flight time of 179 hours 51 minutes. The safety pilot was an instructor. No other contributing factors were noted in the report.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the serious incident was that the pre-flight inspection of the aircraft was not completed before the flying day – the draining of fuel from the sediment bowls and visual assessment of fuel quality were omitted.