What happened
On May 14, 2021, a TECNAM-P2008JC, registration SP-AWR, prepared for a flight from Wrocław Szymanów (EPWS) to Rzeszów Jasionka (EPRZ). During pre-flight inspections, the pilot noticed cloudy, contaminated fuel while draining the sumps, removing approximately 0.8 liters from the left tank and 0.6 liters from the right tank. Despite this observation, the pilot proceeded with the flight after a successful engine run-up.
Approximately one hour into the flight, while cruising at 5,000 ft near Częstochowa, the pilot switched the fuel source from the left to the right tank. Shortly after the switch, the engine began losing power and RPM dropped to minimum levels. The pilot notified Kraków FIS of an intended emergency landing at Rudniki (EPRU). However, at an altitude of approximately 2,500 ft, the engine failed completely and could not be restarted. Unable to reach the airfield, the pilot performed an emergency landing on the A1 motorway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and no damage was sustained by the aircraft or the highway infrastructure.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the fuel samples taken from the aircraft's tanks, which revealed significant amounts of water. The investigation also reviewed the refueling processes and the storage conditions of the fuel used by the operator.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was the presence of significant amounts of water in the right fuel tank, which entered the engine's fuel system.
- The fuel had been replenished from drums that did not meet the required standards for aviation fuel storage.
- The pilot failed to consult technical personnel after discovering contaminated fuel during the pre-flight drain check.
Safety action
Following the incident, the operator implemented several corrective measures:
- Refined and clarified procedures for refueling and inspecting automotive fuel intended for aircraft engines.
- Conducted training for technical and flight personnel regarding refueling processes and the interpretation of fuel quality anomalies.
- Implemented the use of a certified fuel storage tank equipped with a drainage and filtration system, protected from atmospheric conditions.