What happened
On 17 July 2021, a Star-Lite SL-1, registration G-SOLA, was conducting a flight test near Pembrey Airport, Carmarthenshire. The flight was intended to renew the aircraft's Permit to Fly. Following the completion of the flight test, the pilot engaged in general handling in the local area.
During the return to Pembrey, the pilot attempted an approach but was unable to achieve the necessary speed due to light wind conditions, leading to a first go-around. A second approach attempt resulted in the aircraft floating along the runway in ground effect. Fearing the aircraft had progressed too far down the runway to land safely, the pilot initiated a second go-around. At an altitude of approximately 500 feet, the engine ceased operation. The pilot performed a forced landing in a nearby field. While the landing was successful, the nosewheel leg of the Star-Lite SL-1 bent backwards after striking a rut in the terrain. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft had departed with approximately 15 litres of fuel, rather than the planned 25 litres. The pilot had intended to refuel using three containers but was distracted during the process, leaving one 10-litre container in his vehicle.
Because the aircraft's fuel gauge was unreliable, the pilot typically verified fuel levels by dipping the tank. On this occasion, the pilot did not perform this check because he believed the refueling task was complete. The investigation found that the engine failure was a direct result of fuel exhaustion.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by fuel starvation.
- The pilot was distracted during pre-flight preparations, leading to a departure with 40% less fuel than required.
- The pilot's preoccupation with the upcoming flight test contributed to the distraction during refueling.
- The pilot did not verify the fuel level via tank dipping because he believed the intended amount had been loaded.
- Light wind conditions and a lack of recent flying experience contributed to the difficulty in managing the approach speeds, necessitating the go-arounds that exhausted the remaining fuel.