Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Piper PA-24-260 in Mato Grosso

Casualties unknown • SANTO ANTÔNIO DO LEVERGER, MT, BR

A Piper PA-24-260 experienced an engine failure during a base turn, resulting in a forced landing in a wooded area near Santo Antônio do Leverger.

What happened

On July 10, 2008, a Piper PA-24-260, registration PT-CHR, was performing a flight from Cáceres to Santo Antônio do Leverger, Mato Grosso. While executing a base turn for landing on runway 18 at the Senador Jonas Pinheiro Airport, the aircraft's engine lost power and stopped.

Recognizing that the aircraft could not glide to the runway, the pilot selected a nearby area with sparse vegetation for an emergency landing. During the descent, the aircraft's right wing struck a small tree at an altitude of approximately 3 meters, causing a 90-degree yaw. The aircraft then impacted the ground in a flat attitude and slid 36 meters before coming to a halt against a wire fence. The pilot emerged from the wreckage uninjured, though the aircraft sustained severe damage to its wings and propeller.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's fuel system. Post-accident inspections revealed that the fuel tanks were completely empty, and the fuel gauge correctly indicated the lack of fuel. The propeller showed deformations consistent with an impact while not producing traction.

Analysis of the flight logs and pilot statements revealed a significant discrepancy in fuel planning. The pilot believed the aircraft's hourly consumption was 60 liters, whereas the investigation determined the actual consumption was approximately 91 liters per hour, especially considering the high number of takeoffs and low cruise altitudes (FL045 and FL055) performed that day. The investigation also found that the pilot's calculation of the aircraft's endurance was incorrect, leading to a situation where the fuel reserves were insufficient for the planned mission.

Findings

  • The engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion.
  • The pilot's judgment was flawed, as they believed remaining fuel would be sufficient to reach the destination.
  • Flight planning was inadequate, failing to account for the actual fuel consumption rate.
  • The pilot failed to adhere to regulatory fuel requirements, which mandate sufficient reserves to reach the destination, an alternate airport, and include an additional 45 minutes of holding time.
  • The aircraft's fuel tanks were found to be empty upon inspection.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot's incorrect estimation of the aircraft's hourly fuel consumption and inadequate flight planning that failed to maintain required regulatory fuel reserves.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-07-10 aircraft accident near SANTO ANTÔNIO DO LEVERGER, MT, BR?

A Piper PA-24-260 experienced an engine failure during a base turn, resulting in a forced landing in a wooded area near Santo Antônio do Leverger.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-07-10 involved a aircraft, registration PTCHR, at SANTO ANTÔNIO DO LEVERGER, MT, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot's incorrect estimation of the aircraft's hourly fuel consumption and inadequate flight planning that failed to maintain required regulatory fuel reserves.

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