What happened
On April 1, 2012, a Piper PA-34-220T departed from Siegerland (EDGS) for a VFR flight intended to be an extended circuit. The aircraft, which had been for sale and stationary for several weeks, was accompanied by a passenger. During the initial phase of the flight, the pilot experienced intermittent radio failure, which he attributed to insufficient battery capacity. During the flight, the pilot also decided to divert to Koblenz-Winningen (EDRK).
While monitoring instruments, the pilot noticed a fuel imbalance, with the left tank containing approximately 8 to 15 liters more than the right. To rectify this, the pilot placed the right fuel selector on "crossfeed" for approximately five to eight minutes. After landing at Koblenz-ដល់Winningen and departing again for the return flight, the aircraft entered a steady descent from 3,000 feet AMSL. The pilot reported that the left engine failed during the cruise phase. He also noted that the aircraft could no longer maintain altitude and felt the right engine was not producing full power. Due to the low altitude, the pilot opted for an emergency landing.
The aircraft struck a field, with the left wingtip making initial contact with the ground. The landing resulted in the collapse of the landing gear and significant damage to the airframe, including a broken wing spar. One person sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The BFU examined the aircraft and the site of the accident. Investigators found that the landing gear had broken upon impact and the left wing was deformed. The propellers showed signs of impact, with blades bent backward. The investigation of the fuel system, including the fuel selector valves, showed no malfunctions when tested with compressed air. No fuel or oil leaks were found at the crash site, and the fuel tanks remained intact. Notably, approximately 200 ml of water was drained from the external drain valve of the right tank.