What happened
On 9 June 2018, a VANS RV-10, registration UR-PMAV, was performing a group VFR flight from Lviv to Rzeszów Jasionka (EPRZ) as the second aircraft in a formation. During the approach to runway 09, the aircraft performed two left-hand circles to increase separation from the lead aircraft. During a subsequent right-hand turn, the engine stopped operating at an altitude of approximately 50 meters, about 1 km from the runway threshold.
The pilot attempted to maintain control, but the aircraft entered a stall phase and struck the ground with high vertical speed. The impact caused the main landing gear to break, followed by the nose gear during rotation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, propeller, and landing gear. The crew and one passenger evacuated the aircraft without assistance. One pilot sustained serious injuries and was transported by helicopter, while the second pilot sustained minor injuries. The passenger was uninjured.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the fuel system and the flight crew's management of fuel. Investigators examined the aircraft's fuel tanks and found the right tank was empty, while the left tank was half full. The investigation also reviewed the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) and the aircraft's fuel gauges. It was noted that the fuel gauge for the right tank incorrectly indicated 10 liters of remaining fuel even when the tank was empty. Furthermore, the investigation analyzed the fuel consumption rates against the flight duration and the maneuvers performed during the approach.
Findings
- Fuel exhaustion from the right tank caused the engine to stop.
- The crew failed to properly monitor fuel consumption during the flight.
- The flight from Lviv to Rzeszów was conducted using fuel primarily from the right tank.
- The pilots had limited experience operating the VANS RV-10.
- The fuel selector valve setting description in the POH was inconsistent with the actual cockpit configuration.
- The right fuel tank gauge provided inaccurate readings, leading the crew to believe sufficient fuel remained.