Fuel Starvation Leads to Emergency Field Landing in Denney Kitfox

Casualties unknown • Near Old Buckenham Airfield, Norwich, GB

A private flight in a Denney Kitfox MK2 ended in an emergency field landing near Old Buckenham after unexpected fuel consumption caused the engine to lose power.

What happened

On 3 September 2023, a Denney Kitfox MK2, registration G-BUKP, was conducting a private cross-country flight near Old Buckenham Airfield. The flight was part of a two-day journey involving a return trip from Grove Farm to Wharf Farm. To accommodate extra baggage, the aircraft was fitted with an underslung cargo pod.

During the return leg of the flight, the pilot noticed that the fuel level in the wing tank sight tube was dropping faster than anticipated. Shortly after, a low fuel warning light was triggered in the fuel header tank. Although the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft to encourage fuel flow, the warning persisted. The pilot planned to divert to Old Buckenham to refuel but noted that several nearby airfields were unavailable due to active NOTAMs. As the aircraft approached the circuit for Old Buckenham, the engine experienced a reduction in RPM. The pilot immediately initiated a landing in a preferred field, declaring a MAYDAY. The landing was completed without any injuries or damage to the aircraft.

The investigation

The investigation examined the fuel consumption rates and the legality of the aircraft's configuration. It was established that while the pilot had planned for a 25% increase in fuel consumption to account for the drag from the cargo pod, the actual consumption was significantly higher than expected. If the aircraft had departed with 70 litres of fuel, the consumption rate was approximately 17 litres per hour, far exceeding the expected 10 litres per hour.

Investigators also looked into the use of the underslung cargo pod. It was found that this modification had not been approved for use in the UK. While the aircraft owner believed the pod was a standard manufacturer option, the LAA had not accepted it as such for UK operations.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operated with an unapproved cargo pod modification.
  • Unexpectedly high fuel consumption occurred, which was not identified until it was too late to reach a suitable airfield.
  • The pilot's decision to perform an immediate landing at the first sign of power loss prevented a more serious outcome.
  • The aircraft's STOL capabilities and the pilot's experience with field landings contributed to the successful outcome of the emergency landing.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the incident was significantly higher than anticipated fuel consumption, likely influenced by the use of an underslung cargo pod, which led to engine power loss before the pilot could reach an airfield with refueling facilities.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-09-03 Denney Kitfox MK2 accident near Near Old Buckenham Airfield, Norwich, GB?

A private flight in a Denney Kitfox MK2 ended in an emergency field landing near Old Buckenham after unexpected fuel consumption caused the engine to lose power.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-09-03 involved a Denney Kitfox MK2, registration G-BUKP, at Near Old Buckenham Airfield, Norwich, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the incident was significantly higher than anticipated fuel consumption, likely influenced by the use of an underslung cargo pod, which led to engine power loss before the pilot could reach an airfield with refueling facilities.

Loading the flight search…