What happened
On September 30, 2012, a Piper PA-28R 20, registration F-OHAJ, departed Raiatea Uturoa for Tahiti Faa’a carrying a pilot and three passengers. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot noticed a drop in engine oil pressure. Because the oil temperature remained stable, the pilot followed a specific club-provided checklist which suggested the drop might simply be an indication failure.
As the aircraft approached Moorea Temae, the oil pressure continued to decline. Although air traffic control suggested landing at Moorea, the pilot elected to continue toward Tahiti, likely because emergency rescue resources are primarily based at Tahiti. During the descent from 3,500 feet, the engine stopped completely approximately 5.6 nautical miles from Tahiti Faa’a. The pilot performed a ditching parallel to the swell. While the occupants were able to evacuate, the aircraft sank rapidly and was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the discrepancy between the aircraft's official flight manual and the procedures used by the flying club. Investigators examined the pilot's pre-flight actions, noting that oil had been added during both the outbound and return legs of the trip. Traces of oil had been observed under the engine cowling, which the pilot attributed to overfilling.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to continue the flight toward the destination rather than performing a precautionary landing at Moorea.
- The pilot's assessment of the risk was flawed due to a lack of familiarity with the official flight manual's emergency procedures for oil pressure loss.
- The flying club's customized checklist was inadequate, as it led the pilot to believe the issue was merely a faulty gauge and did not recommend an immediate precautionary landing.
- The pilot's choice was likely influenced by the proximity of Tahiti and the availability of superior rescue services at that location compared to Moorea.