History of the Flight
On 30 June 2022, the pilot of an Aero AT-3 R100, registration SP-PBC, planned an en-route training flight from EPGL aerodrome via Kaniów, Jordanów, Zakopane, Nowy Targ, and Zator back to Gliwice. At 09:00 hrs, the pilot took over the aircraft from another pilot who had completed a 2-hour 35-minute flight. After a pre-flight inspection and measuring fuel quantity with a wooden stick, the pilot started the engine and took off at 09:16 hrs. The flight was uneventful until approaching controlled airspace (TMA EPKK), where the pilot descended to 2500 ft. After descent, engine vibrations accompanied by a drop in RPM were felt. Attempts to keep the engine running failed, and the engine stopped.
The pilot checked both fuel valves and attempted to restart the engine twice without success. At an altitude of about 1600–2000 ft AMSL, the pilot decided on an emergency landing, selecting the nearest suitable field. During a 180° turn, the pilot changed the decision to a different field with milder crop. The landing occurred near the village of Witanowice at 11:01 hrs, across the field and downhill. Upon ground contact, the landing gear detached, one propeller blade broke, and the aircraft performed an uncontrolled ground loop. The onboard ELT emitted an emergency signal, which was noted by air traffic control. The pilot exited the cockpit, notified their supervisor and emergency services via 112, and moved away. Emergency services and police arrived.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot did not suffer injuries. No other persons were involved.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including detachment of the landing gear and breakage of one propeller blade.
Cause of the Occurrence
The investigation concluded that the cause of the accident was engine stoppage in flight due to fuel starvation resulting from selection to feed the engine from an empty tank.
Contributing Factors
The report listed several contributing factors: landing in hilly terrain downhill, an attempt to land against weak and variable wind, hilly terrain and lack of pilot experience in uphill landings, stress from sudden engine stoppage and time deficit, change of landing decision in the last phase, inadequate setting of the fuel quantity indicator on the left tank before flight causing improper readings, and a broken fuel valve knob of the right wing fuel tank.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were proposed by the State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation.