What happened
On July 11, 2003, at approximately 18:00 local time, a SOCATA Morane Saulnier MM-893-E, registration EC-HFC, was performing a banner towing operation near the municipality of Cajiz, Málaga. The aircraft had previously completed one flight and departed from Vélez-Málaga aerodrome (LEAX) at 17:00 local time for a second mission over the Torremolinos and Benalmádena Costa areas.
After approximately 70 minutes of flight, while cruising at 1,000 feet, the aircraft suffered a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to follow manufacturer procedures by switching the fuel selection from the left tank to the right tank and activating the fuel pump. Although power was momentarily recovered, a second, more pronounced loss of power occurred.
To avoid populated areas, the pilot detached the banner and initiated an emergency glide toward the Barranco de Cajiz. During the descent, the aircraft struck a low-voltage power line, causing damage to the right wing, before impacting trees. The aircraft came to rest in a nearly vertical position with the nose pointing downward. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's maintenance and operational history. The inspection of the propeller blades indicated that the engine was stopped at the moment of impact. While the engine itself showed no significant mechanical defects, the investigation focused on the fuel levels and the reliability of the fuel gauges.
At the time of the accident, the left fuel tank was found to be empty, and the right tank contained only approximately 3 centimeters of fuel. The investigation noted that the aircraft's fuel gauges were not entirely accurate; specifically, when levels dropped below half-tank, the indications became less reliable. The operator's policy was to refuel based on the duration of the previous flight, but no refueling had occurred between the first and second flights of the day.
Findings
- The engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion.
- The first loss of power occurred while using the left tank, which was found empty upon inspection.
- Switching to the right tank provided a momentary recovery of power before the engine failed again.
- The aircraft's fuel gauges provided unreliable autonomy estimates when fuel levels were low.
- The impact with the terrain and trees caused significant damage to the wings, landing gear, engine mount, and the forward section of the aircraft.
- The collision with a power line caused damage to the electrical grid and a nearby avocado plantation.