What happened
On 25 July 2022, a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration VT-ALI, operated by M/s Academy of Carver Aviation Private Limited, was conducting a solo cross-country training mission. The flight was intended to follow a route from Baramati to Akkalkot and back to Baramati. While the outbound leg proceeded as planned, the aircraft deviated from its intended track after passing Solapur because the pilot followed an incorrect visual highway reference.
Unable to locate the next waypoint, the trainee pilot requested assistance from another aircraft, a Cess/a 172 with registration VT-888, which was flying ahead in the sequence. While the second aircraft successfully guided VT-ALI back to the intended track, the extended period spent searching for the route went unnoticed by the crew. Approximately 15 nautical miles from Baramati, the engine experienced a rapid loss of RPM. After the engine failed to restart and the propeller began windmilling, the pilot executed a forced landing in an agricultural field near Kadbanwadi village, resulting in minor injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
AAIB India investigators examined the aircraft's technical logs, engine components, and the flight's operational history. The investigation confirmed that the engine and fuel systems were mechanically sound and that no leaks were present. However, the inquiry focused heavily on the operational procedures used during the flight. Investigators reviewed the pilot's training records, the organization's flight planning, and the communication logs between the aircraft and the Chief Flying Instructor (CFI).
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion.
- The trainee pilot failed to monitor in-flight fuel consumption and endurance during the period of navigation error.
- The pilot did not follow established "lost procedure" protocols when the aircraft deviated from its track.
- The CFI did not instruct the pilot to initiate standard emergency procedures or follow the documented flying order book when the pilot reported being lost.
- The organization failed to identify suitable emergency landing sites along the route as required by regulatory circulars.
- There was a lack of continuous radio contact with the base due to VHF limitations in the area.
- The organization's training methodology did not sufficiently emphasize the importance of monitoring essential engine parameters.