What happened
A privately operated Piper PA34-200T, registration C-FANI, crashed in a maple grove near Mirabel Airport, Quebec, following a simultaneous loss of power to both engines. The flight originated from Saint-Georges Airport and was operating under an instrument flight plan toward Gatineau. While cruising at 10,000 feet, the aircraft experienced total engine failure, prompting a 180-degree turn. Although the pilot notified air traffic control of engine issues, no emergency was declared. During the subsequent descent, the aircraft drifted south of its intended path. Unable to maintain sufficient altitude to reach the runway, the aircraft struck trees approximately 1.2 nm from the threshold of Runway 06. The pilot sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's actions leading to the power loss. The aircraft's maintenance records showed no deferred items, and the weight and balance were within limits. Investigators examined the fuel system and the pilot's use of the digital fuel flow meter. The investigation also looked into the pilot's flight procedures, specifically the use of checklists and the communication with air traffic control during the descent. The investigation found that the propellers were windmilling upon impact, which may have masked the severity of the engine failure from the pilot during the initial stages of the descent.
Findings
- The right fuel selector was left in the XFEED position, likely due to pilot distraction or a failure to follow established checklists.
- This configuration caused both engines to draw fuel from the left tank only, leading to the depletion of the left tank and the simultaneous loss of power to both engines.
- The pilot relied on a digital fuel consumption system that tracked usage rather than actual remaining quantity, which prevented the early detection of the fuel imbalance.
- The pilot did not recognize the total loss of engine power as an emergency and failed to complete the required emergency checklists.
- The pilot's failure to declare an emergency prevented air traffic controllers from providing the necessary level of assistance and anticipation of the aircraft's needs.