What happened
On 2 December 2006, a Partenavia P68B, registration ZK-MYF, was conducting a cross-country training flight from Napier to Palmerston North. The flight, operated by Wings Flight Training, included an instructor and several students. During the return leg from Napier, the aircraft experienced a loss of power in the left engine.
While attempting to divert to Dannevirke, the aircraft experienced surging in both engines. In an attempt to manage the situation, the instructor adjusted fuel selectors, which inadvertently introduced air into the right engine's fuel system. Realizing that reaching an aerodrome was no longer possible, the instructor performed an emergency landing in a grassed paddock near Takapau. The aircraft sustained moderate damage after striking fences, though there were no fatalities and only one minor injury reported among the students.
The investigation
TAIC investigators examined the fuel management practices and the pilot's response to the emergency. The investigation found that the aircraft's right fuel gauge was inoperative, forcing the instructor to rely on manual dipstick measurements. Because a ladder was not available on board during the second leg of the flight, a fresh fuel check was not performed at Napier.
The investigation also looked into the instructor's experience levels and the aircraft's fuel state. It was established that the aircraft had departed Napier with insufficient fuel to meet the required reserves. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the instructor's handling of the engine failure and the technical aspects of the fuel system.
Findings
- The primary cause of the initial power loss was fuel starvation to the left engine due to the aircraft departing with inadequate fuel.
- The instructor's actions during the emergency, specifically the incorrect selection of fuel tank crossfeed, caused the right engine to lose power as well.
- The instructor's limited experience on this specific aircraft type hindered his ability to identify and rectify the fuel issue promptly.
- Inaccurate fuel monitoring was exacerbated by the use of a metal dipstick, which allowed for rapid evaporation and potential measurement errors.
- The instructor failed to perform a necessary fuel verification at Napier because he lacked the necessary equipment to access the wing tanks.
Safety action
Following the incident, the operator underwent an audit of its activities, which led to the appointment of a new chief flying instructor with specific flight training organization experience. The Civil Aviation Authority accepted recommendations to use this accident as an educational tool for pilots regarding fuel management and engine failure checklists, and to review competency requirements for instructors on new aircraft types.