What happened
During a night training flight, the crew of VH-LLM experienced a loss of engine power. The incident occurred while the aircraft was performing circuits in controlled airspace. Upon the loss of power, the instructor took control of the aircraft and identified that the fuel selector had remained on the right-wing tank throughout the duration of the circuits. To rectify the situation, the instructor activated the electric fuel pump and switched the selector to the left tank, which successfully restored engine power.
The investigation
The investigation examined the fuel management practices of both the student and the instructor. It was found that the student did not visually verify fuel quantities during pre-flight checks, instead relying on the instructor's verbal confirmation of sufficient fuel. Furthermore, the student did not monitor the fuel gauge effectively, partly because the gauge had been relocated on the primary flight display, creating a configuration change from the student's usual experience. The student also noted that the increased cognitive workload of their first night flight in controlled airspace made systematic instrument scanning difficult.
Regarding the instructor, while they noticed the student had not switched tanks during the first circuit, they did not intervene or provide a briefing because the current tank was still relatively full. During subsequent circuits, the instructor's attention was diverted by monitoring the student's performance and managing other aircraft in the area. Additionally, the instructor's view of the fuel gauge was restricted, making it difficult to monitor the fuel status during a standard scan.
Findings
- The student failed to perform pre-landing checks in accordance with the pilot operating handbook, specifically regarding the fuel selector position.
- The student did not conduct a visual fuel quantity check prior to departure.
- The instructor failed to brief the student on the requirement to switch to the fullest tank.
- The fuel selector was not switched to the fullest tank during multiple circuits, leading to fuel starvation.
- Increased workload due to night flying and operating in controlled airspace contributed to reduced monitoring of cockpit instruments.