What happened
On June 5, 2022, a Piper PA28-140 Cherokee, registration SP-SWB, was engaged in flight training maneuvers at Masłów airport (EPKA). The flight involved two legs: an initial flight to Nowy Targ (EPel) and a return flight to EPKA. During the first leg, the pilot added 40 liters of Avgas 100LL, believing the total fuel was 110 liters based on the aircraft's technical log.
Following a two-hour stop at Nowy Targ, the pilot prepared for the return flight to EPKA. Due to the absence of a dedicated fuel measuring tube and the uneven grass surface at the airfield, the pilot did not visually check the fuel levels in the wings, relying instead on fuel gauge readings and calculated consumption.
During the return flight, near Pińczów, the fuel gauges indicated that levels were approaching the safety limit. Despite this, the pilot continued the flight at 4,000 ft. Upon entering the EPKA traffic pattern and initiating the third turn, fuel pressure dropped sharply and the engine began to run unevenly. Switching to the second fuel tank did not resolve the issue. The engine ceased operation during the straight leg of the pattern, forcing the pilot to perform a glide. The aircraft landed safely on the runway at 17:50 with no injuries and no damage to the aircraft. Subsequent inspection revealed the tanks were completely empty.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation established that a dedicated fuel measuring tube had been missing from the aircraft for approximately two weeks prior to the incident. The investigation also found a discrepancy in the aircraft's technical log; the pilot had relied on an entry that likely resulted from the improper practice of calculating fuel remaining based on flight time rather than actual measurement. The investigation ruled out increased fuel consumption or carburetor heat issues as causes, noting that the aircraft's average consumption was consistent with standard operating procedures.
Findings
- Incorrect determination of fuel quantity during the pre-flight inspection.
- The pilot's limited flight experience.
- The lack of a dedicated fuel measuring tube on the aircraft.
- An erroneous entry in the technical log regarding the fuel level from the previous flight.