Fuel-Related Incident Involving a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee (SP-SWB) at EPKA

Incident Overview On 5 June 2022, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee with registration SP-SWB was operating a training flight with a pilot and two passengers aboard. The aircraft departed from Masłów Airport (EPKA) for Nowy Targ (EPNT) and subsequently planned a return leg to EPKA. The first leg completed without incident, landing at EPNT at 14:28 local time. During the return journey, fuel quantity indications began approaching safe reserve levels approximately 15 minutes before the arrival airport. Despite this, the pilot continued the approach at cruise altitude. As the aircraft entered the final segment of the pattern at EPKA, a sudden drop in fuel pressure and engine irregularity occurred. After declaring an emergency and attempting to switch fuel tanks, the engine ceased operating, and the pilot executed a controlled glide landing on the runway, coming to a stop at 17:50 local time. The aircraft sustained no damage, and no occupants were injured. Post-landing inspections revealed no fuel leaks, and the tanks were found to be empty, requiring 150 liters of fuel to be refilled to capacity.