What happened
On 29 April 2025, a Jodel D112, registration G-BEZZ, was performing a private flight from East Kirkby Airfield back to Manchester Barton Aerodrome. The outbound leg of the journey had taken approximately 20 minutes longer than the pilot had originally calculated. Upon arrival at Barton, the pilot attempted an approach to Runway 26L, but the first attempt resulted in a go-around after the aircraft bounced on the grass runway due to excessive speed.
During the second approach, the aircraft was again traveling too fast. As the pilot initiated a second go-around just before touchdown, the engine ceased operation. The aircraft subsequently dropped its right wing and impacted the ground within the airfield perimeter, coming to rest upside down. The two serious injuries sustained by the pilot and passenger were treated by airfield emergency services.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the flight planning and fuel management procedures. Prior to the return leg, the pilot relied on a float gauge to estimate remaining fuel rather than physically dipping the tank. While the pilot believed there was sufficient fuel for the return trip, the investigation found that the outbound flight's delays and the hot weather may have increased fuel consumption beyond the initial estimates.
Findings
- The outbound flight to East Kirkby lasted significantly longer than planned, consuming more fuel than anticipated.
- The pilot did not perform a physical dip of the fuel tanks to verify quantities before the return flight, relying instead on a wire and float indicator.
- The aircraft was performing two go-around manoeuvres, which further depleted the remaining fuel.
- The engine stopped during the second go-around, likely due to fuel starvation caused by the aircraft running out of fuel.