Event Overview
On 19 January 2019 at 13:30 UTC, a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by a private pilot under visual meteorological conditions conducted a cross-country flight departing from airfield EPBC. The flight was intended to return to EPBC. During the flight, the pilot observed fluctuations in the fuel gauge indications, particularly for the left tank.
Flight and Fuel Gauge Issue
The pilot had refueled with 180 liters before departure. After initial temporary fluctuations, the fuel gauge returned to normal and the pilot decided to continue toward the departure airfield. While overflying the vicinity of airfield EPCD, the fuel gauge fluctuations recurred. Concerned about a possible fuel system anomaly, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing at EPCD to inspect the aircraft and rule out any leaks.
Precautionary Landing
The pilot announced the intention to land on the airfield's frequency but received no response. A low pass over the runway was conducted to assess its condition, which was found suitable. The pilot then landed, remaining on the frequency. The airfield EPCD was closed at the time due to heavy snow cover, as indicated by a NOTAM effective 15–20 January 2019.
Post-Landing Inspection
After landing, the pilot checked the remaining fuel and found no evidence of leaks. The fuel quantity was assessed as sufficient to continue the flight to the departure airfield. The pilot subsequently took off and completed the flight without further issues; no fuel gauge fluctuations were observed on the return leg. Upon landing at EPBC, the pilot reported the fuel gauge problem.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft underwent maintenance inspection for potential fuel gauge malfunctions, but no defects were detected. The issue did not recur during subsequent flights. The incident was classified as a serious incident. The investigation determined that the cause of the fuel gauge fluctuations could not be identified.
Cause
The precautionary landing on a closed airfield resulted from the need to conduct an aircraft technical check after the pilot observed fuel gauge fluctuations. The underlying cause of the gauge fluctuations was not established.