Piper PA-28-140 Fuel Incident at EPBC (OK-EVR)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On May 31, 2022, a Piper PA-28-140 with registration OK-EVR was conducting training flights at EPBC. The aircraft was operated by an instructor and a student pilot for solo circuit qualification. During the pre-flight inspection, the crew noted a fuel imbalance, with the left tank containing over 17 gallons and the right tank approximately 5 gallons. They deemed this sufficient for the planned training task. ## Event Sequence and Emergency Response After completing three check circuits, the instructor authorized the student to fly solo circuits. During the second solo circuit, at approximately 1,800 feet and 70 knots, the student pilot observed a loss of engine power and a drop in RPM to 800. After confirming the throttle and mixture settings and activating the fuel pump without success, the student pilot declared a Mayday on 122.305 MHz to Babice Radio. The aircraft was directed to an off-airport landing site near ZULU and Most Północny. The student pilot extended the flaps to maximum, leveled the aircraft, and landed without damage. The pilot exited the cabin unassisted, and AFIS notified the Crisis Management Center, PKBWL, and Air Rescue. ## Investigation Findings and Safety Actions The State Commission for Investigation of Aviation Accidents (PKBWL) determined that the incident was caused by improper fuel management. No contributing circumstances were identified. The investigating entity implemented several preventive measures, including mandatory fueling of both tanks to over 17 gallons before and after solo flights, limiting fuel imbalance to 10 gallons, standardizing fuel tank switching procedures, and setting GPS reminders for tank changes every 30 minutes. Instructors were also required to remind students to use checklists and switch fuel tanks regularly.