What happened
On June 6, 2010, a pilot operating a Beechcraft 24R departed for a visual flight rules (VFR) pleasure flight. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the pilot returned to the airfield at Bad Neuenahr / Ahrweiler and entered the North Platz circuit for runway 11. During the crosswind leg of the circuit, at an altitude of approximately 1,400 ft, the engine failed.
The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the issue by toggling the fuel selector switch. Due to the low altitude, the pilot eventually moved the fuel selector to the "off" position. The aircraft subsequently landed in a rapeseed field approximately 810 meters short of the runway threshold. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the aircraft's fuel system. Upon inspection, the aircraft's left wing was partially separated from the fuselage, and the spar was twisted. The landing gear and flaps were extended at the time of impact, and the nose gear broke off approximately 3 meters before the wreckage came to a final rest.
Investigators analyzed the fuel levels and found that 40 liters of fuel remained in the left tank, while only 2 liters remained in the right tank. While fuel was present in the system up to the pump, the lines between the pump and the fuel injectors were dry. The fuel pump was removed and tested by a maintenance facility, where it was found to be functioning correctly.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred during the circuit approach at 1,400 ft.
- Fuel starvation was indicated by the fact that the fuel lines between the pump and the injectors were dry, despite fuel being present in the tanks.
- The pilot's decision to switch the fuel selector to "off" occurred during the emergency descent.