Event Details
On 9 May 2024, a serious incident involved an AERO AT AT-3 R100 aircraft, registration SP-GDW, operated by an unspecified entity. The flight departed from Kraków-Pobiednik Wielki Airport (EPKP) at 15:56 local time with a pilot and a passenger on board, intending to conduct a cross-country flight over Katowice-Pyrzowice and Kraków-Balice airports.
Flight Sequence
Before the second flight of the day, the pilot performed a pre-flight inspection and manually verified fuel levels using a dipstick, measuring approximately 24 liters in each tank (48 liters total), which was sufficient for over three hours of flight. During the cross-country flight, both fuel tank valves were open. After about 40 minutes, the pilot observed a fuel imbalance on the gauges and closed the right fuel tank valve. Approximately 30 minutes later, after the indications equalized, he reopened the valve.
Upon reaching the Kraków-Balice control zone (CTR EPKK), air traffic control instructed the pilot to hold at point ZULU at 2,000 feet. At 17:18, the pilot noted the time and fuel gauges indicating 36 liters total, evenly distributed. After about three minutes of holding, the engine lost power and began running roughly. Seconds later, it stopped completely. At an altitude of approximately 1,200 feet AGL, the pilot assessed the terrain and decided to attempt an emergency landing on Runway 25 at Kraków-Balice. He declared an emergency and attempted an in-flight engine restart, which was unsuccessful. The aircraft landed on grass north of Runway 25.
After landing, the pilot observed a small amount of fuel in the right tank and a relatively large amount in the left tank, contrary to the previous gauge readings. Shortly afterward, the engine was restarted, and the aircraft taxied to parking without further issues.
Cause
The investigation determined that the engine flameout resulted from a lack of fuel supply. During prolonged flight in a turn, fuel moved within the tank toward the wingtip, starving the engine.
Contributing Factors
Three factors were identified as contributing to the incident:
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the fuel system operation in the AT-3 R100.
- Incomplete execution of the in-flight engine restart procedure, specifically omitting activation of the "ENGINE BACKUP" emergency power, rendering the restart attempt ineffective.
- The pilot's limited flight experience on this aircraft type.
Outcome
No injuries occurred among the occupants, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
Recommendations
The investigating body accepted two preventive actions proposed by the entity conducting the investigation:
- Require individuals renting the aircraft to include additional fuel reserves in calculations to account for unforeseen changes to the flight plan.
- Require renters to thoroughly review the aircraft documentation, particularly the Flight Manual and all applicable supplements relevant to the installed powerplant.
No safety recommendations were formulated by the commission.