What happened
On January 19, 2019, a pilot operating a Cessna 172 was conducting a cross-country flight originating from EPBC. The flight path proceeded southward, bypassing the EPRA CTR, and then eastward under the EPRZ TMA, avoiding EPD25 and EPST, with the intention of bypassing the EPLB TMA toward EPZA.
While flying south of EPZA, the pilot observed fluctuations in the fuel gauge readings, specifically regarding the left tank. Although the readings temporarily stabilized and the pilot was aware of the initial fuel load of 180 liters, the fluctuations recurred while flying near EPCD. To rule out potential fuel leaks and verify remaining fuel levels, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing at Depułlycze Królewskie (EPCD).
Prior to landing, the pilot attempted to contact the airport frequency but received no response. The pilot performed a low pass to assess the runway condition and, finding it suitable, proceeded to land. Upon landing, a physical inspection revealed no leaks, and the remaining fuel was deemed sufficient to return to the departure airfield. The pilot successfully returned to the origin airport without further issues.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the necessity of the landing and the cause of the instrument instability. The investigation confirmed that the pilot landed at EPCD while the airfield was officially closed; a NOTAM had closed the airport from January 15 to January 20, 2019, due to heavy snow cover.
Following the incident, the aircraft underwent maintenance inspections to identify the source of the erroneous fuel readings. No malfunctions were detected during these checks, and the fluctuations did not recur during subsequent flights.