What happened
On October 1, 2010, a Cessna T182T, registration PR-HSF, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Patos, PB, to Recife, PE. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the approach to the destination airfield, the engine stopped functioning due to fuel exhaustion.
Realizing the aircraft could not reach the runway, the pilot executed an emergency landing in the median of the BR 101 highway near kilometer 75. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck a traffic sign, resulting in light damage to the left wing structure and leading edge. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that the engine failure was caused by a lack of fuel. Post-accident analysis of the aircraft revealed that there was no fuel present in the fuel distribution manifold or the quick-drain fuel filter.
The investigation examined the pilot's flight planning and operational history. It was noted that the aircraft had performed a previous flight that day with approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes of endurance remaining, and the aircraft was not refueled for the subsequent leg. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's psychological state, noting a high level of self-confidence and a drive to accumulate flight hours for commercial pilot certification, which may have influenced risk perception.
Findings
- Fuel exhaustion was the primary cause of the engine failure.
- The pilot failed to respond appropriately to the low-fuel warning light, choosing to continue the flight despite the indication.
- There was a failure in flight planning, as the pilot did not ensure sufficient fuel reserves were available to meet VFR requirements.
- The pilot's lack of experience with this specific aircraft model contributed to errors in calculating fuel consumption and endurance.
- A lack of managerial supervision allowed for operational irregularities, such as the failure to properly record fuel quantities in the aircraft logbook.
Safety action
CENIPA issued several safety recommendations following the investigation:
- To the aircraft operator: Improve supervision of logbook entries, specifically regarding fuel departure and arrival volumes.
- To the aircraft operator: Implement management oversight to ensure that all operations of the T182T are conducted by pilots who are properly updated on the technical specifics of the aircraft.
- To ANAC: Disseminate the findings of this report to private operators to increase situational awareness regarding fuel endurance monitoring.