What happened
On 04 June 2022, a TECNAM P2008 JC, registration EC-NKE, was conducting a dual instruction flight near Madrid-Cuatro Vientos Airport when the engine suddenly stalled. The aircraft, operated by Quality Fly, S.A., was performing landing and takeoff maneuvers with an instructor and a student on board.
During the climb phase of the maneuver, at approximately 600 feet, the engine sputtered and shut down. Simultaneously, the aircraft experienced a complete electrical failure; cockpit displays lost power and radio communications with the tower were severed. The instructor attempted to restart the engine, but when the attempt failed, he executed an emergency landing in a field south of the airport. Upon touchdown, the uneven terrain caused the aircraft to overturn. Both occupants were unharmed and evacuated the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's engine, fuel system, and electrical components to identify the trigger for the shutdown. Analysis of the Garmin G3X flight data confirmed that fuel pressure dropped to zero and electrical power consumption decreased immediately before the engine failure.
Physical inspections of the engine revealed significant carbon deposits in the cylinders, particularly in cylinder number three. While the crankshaft initially appeared partially blocked, investigators determined that once the cylinder head was removed, the piston could move normally, ruling out carbon buildup as the cause of the failure. Testing of the fuel pumps, ignition boxes, and pressure sensors on a test bench showed no functional deficiencies. Although the low fuel pressure warning sensor was found to be inoperative due to internal corrosion and residue, investigators concluded this was likely a result of the time elapsed since the accident rather than a contributing factor to the event.
Findings
- The engine shutdown and subsequent electrical failure occurred for unidentified reasons.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to the fuselage, propeller, and landing gear.
- The crew's emergency management was determined to be correct.
- The primary cause of the aircraft overturning was the loss of control resulting from the uneven terrain during the off-field landing.