Accident Overview
On 8 August 2016, a Piper PA-34-220T, registration EC-EPX, was involved in an accident near Inca, in the Balearic Islands. The aircraft made an emergency landing off-field at the location known as Finca del Virrey, close to kilometer 2 of the road connecting Inca and Sencelles. All four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—were uninjured.
Flight Details
The pilot, an instructor for Panamedia S.L., was on a private flight with companions. The group intended to spend part of the day on Menorca. The aircraft departed Son Bonet Airport (LESB) on Mallorca at 10:20 local time, bound for San Luis Aerodrome (LESL) on Menorca, where it landed at 11:20. The outward flight was uneventful. The return leg began at 17:25.
Engine Failure and Emergency Landing
At approximately 18:17, while overflying Mallorca, the pilot noticed that the right engine had stopped. Attempts to restart it were unsuccessful. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot decided to carry out an emergency landing outside an airfield. The landing occurred at the Finca del Virrey site. At 18:30, the Guardia Civil was alerted by a witness who observed the aircraft descending. The aircraft was located at 19:02 with substantial damage. The four occupants were taken to a hospital for observation.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the right wing fuel tank running out of fuel, which led to the right engine stopping. The left engine, unable to maintain altitude because the right propeller was not feathered, could not sustain flight. The pilot consequently opted to land.