What happened
On August 10, 2002, at approximately 12:55 UTC, a Piper PA-25/150, registration CS-ADT, was performing an aerial advertising mission towing a banner near the coast of Albufeira, Portugal. The aircraft, operated by Aerocondor Transportes Aéreos on behalf of Aero Algarve, was flying in formation with a Cessna 172.
While returning toward Portimão, the engine of the CS-ADT suddenly stopped. Due to the low altitude and low airspeed, the pilot was unable to restart the engine or reach an unobstructed landing zone. After releasing the advertising banner, the pilot attempted an emergency landing on unpaved terrain. To avoid a crowded beach area, the pilot directed the aircraft toward an inland area, but the low altitude forced a violent impact near an apartment hotel in the Santa Eulália area. The impact caused extensive damage to the engine, landing gear, and fuselage, resulting in the total loss of the aircraft. The pilot sustained serious injuries to the face and lumbar region, requiring surgery and a six-week hospitalization.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's engine, fuel system, and the pilot's flight planning. Investigators found no mechanical deficiencies in the engine, ignition, or lubrication systems. The fuel system was intact, with no evidence of leaks or obstructions.
Analysis of the fuel consumption revealed that while the aircraft's manual suggested a higher endurance, the specific requirements of the mission—flying at low altitude, maintaining formation, and overcoming the aerodynamic drag of the advertising banner—significantly increased the fuel burn rate. The investigation determined that the actual consumption was approximately 12.7 USG/H, reducing the aircraft's total endurance to roughly 3 hours and 9 minutes.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was engine failure due to fuel exhaustion.
- The pilot's mission planning failed to account for the increased fuel consumption required by the specific operational configuration (towing a banner and flying in formation).
- The aircraft's fuel quantity indicator was rudimentary and unreliable, which contributed to inaccurate monitoring by the pilot.
- There was a lack of standardized fuel consumption tables specifically adapted to different mission profiles and aircraft configurations.
- The operator lacked specific procedures or standards for managing fuel during this type of specialized aerial work.