Incident Overview
On 26 October 2025, a pilot flying a Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-28-181 Archer III experienced a serious incident due to fuel mismanagement during a planned round trip from EPMO to EPKG and back. The pilot, holding a private pilot license (PPL(A)) obtained in August 2025, had logged approximately 78 total flight hours, with less than 16 hours since licensure and only 3 hours 24 minutes on type. The flight was intended to build flight time.
Flight Sequence
The pilot conducted two engine starts on the ground before departing at 10:15 local time. The outbound leg to EPKG proceeded without issue. During approach to EPKG, the pilot received a radio communication that the fuel pump at the airport was inoperative, making refueling impossible with an unknown repair time. The pilot aborted the approach and decided to return towards the alternate airport EPBY for refueling. However, after assessing weather conditions, the pilot deemed a landing at EPBY unsafe and requested weather information for EPWT, directing the aircraft there.
En route near Watorowo, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather with precipitation and low visibility, which he considered unsafe for landing. While abeam EPBY, the pilot telephoned a training center in Modlin and, after evaluating fuel reserves as sufficient for a return to EPMO while avoiding the worst weather, decided to continue to EPMO. The remainder of the flight was uneventful, and the aircraft landed at EPMO at 14:54 local time. After engine shutdown, only about 2 gallons of usable fuel remained in the tank, well below the required 30-minute reserve. According to the aircraft flight manual, fuel consumption was 10.5 gallons per hour, meaning the remaining fuel provided approximately 11 minutes of flight.
Weather Conditions
Meteorological reports from EPBY between 11:00 and 14:30 UTC on the day of the incident indicated generally good conditions with visibility 9999 meters, scattered clouds, and occasional light rain showers. No METAR indicated conditions precluding a safe landing at EPBY. The pilot, however, expressed concerns about the approaching weather front and had previously assessed that landing at EPBY was not feasible.
Pilot Experience and Decision-Making
The pilot's total flight experience was limited, especially as pilot-in-command. The planned fuel consumption data provided by the pilot showed awareness of a small margin, particularly as the return flight, conducted without refueling, was longer due to weather avoidance. According to regulations, the pilot must ensure sufficient fuel considering weather, performance factors, expected delays, and contingencies. The investigation noted that the pilot's low experience as pilot-in-command contributed to a lack of anticipation of events affecting fuel consumption.
Aircraft Condition
The aircraft was airworthy and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations and approved procedures.
Findings
The incident was attributed to inaccurate flight planning and preparation by the pilot. Contributing factors included the pilot's limited experience as pilot-in-command, apprehension about landing at alternate airports in deteriorating weather, and a likely desire to return to the departure airport on the same day.
Preventive Actions
The investigating entity implemented the following measures: (a) a session with the pilot to review flight planning and preparation principles (completed 9 November 2025); (b) a proficiency flight with the pilot (completed 13 November 2025); and (c) briefings on the incident for personnel at ATO Smart Aero Service (completed 9 February 2026). No safety recommendations were issued.