What happened
On August 27, 2013, a Piper PA-32R-301T was engaged in a multi-leg VFR flight involving several stops. The flight began in Dortmund, proceeding to Arnsberg-Menden to pick up a passenger, then to Langeoog, and finally returning toward Arnsberg-Menden with a group of passengers.
During the return leg from Langeoog, the aircraft climbed to 3,000 ft AMSL. As the aircraft approached the Arnsberg-Menden area, witnesses observed engine fluctuations. At 16:56 local time, the pilot radioed Arnsberg Information to report engine problems while on a left base leg. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and impacted a field, resulting in five fatalities and three serious injuries.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, fuel logs, and GPS data. The investigation established that the aircraft's engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. Investigators noted that while the pilot had significant total flight experience, he had very little experience specifically with the Piper PA-32R-301T model. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot had not performed emergency landing drills during his type transition training.
Radar and GPS data indicated that at the time of the engine failure, the aircraft was at approximately 1,400 ft AMSL. Although suitable, flat agricultural fields were available for an emergency landing without significant course changes, the pilot attempted to reach the destination airfield. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not properly configured for an emergency landing, as the flaps remained at 0° and the magneto switches were still in the 'both' position.
Findings
- The pilot failed to provide sufficient fuel reserves during refueling.
- The remaining fuel quantity was not accurately verified prior to the departure from Langeoog.
- The pilot did not adequately monitor fuel consumption during the flight, continuing until the engine failed.
- The pilot attempted to reach the destination airport despite the engine failure, even though the airfield was no longer reachable via glide.
- The pilot misjudged the aircraft's altitude and clearance, leading to the collision with trees.