Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Piper PA-19 in Germany

What happened

On May 18, 2023, a Piper PA-19 was performing a VFR flight from Oldenburg-Hatten to Rinteln. The aircraft was occupied by the pilot and one passenger. Prior to the flight, the aircraft had been parked with the fuel valve closed. During the pre-flight process, the passenger attempted to start the engine by priming and hand-propping the propeller. After several unsuccessful attempts, the passenger requested the pilot to open the fuel valve, which the pilot did by rotating the valve 180 degrees. Following a second priming, the engine started successfully.

The aircraft departed Oldenburg-Hatten, following another aircraft from the runway holding point. The takeoff and initial climb proceeded without issue. However, at an altitude of approximately 80 meters, the engine lost power. The passenger alerted the pilot regarding the fuel valve, but the engine failed shortly thereafter. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a nearby field. During the impact, the aircraft struck the ground with a longitudinal pitch of approximately 30-40 degrees. The occupants were able to exit the aircraft on their own.

The investigation

The BFU examined the wreckage and the aircraft's systems to determine the cause of the engine failure. The investigation included a physical inspection of the engine, fuel system, and the accident site. The wreckage was located approximately 400 meters beyond the end of runway 06 on a recently tilled field. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience and the maintenance status of the engine components.

Findings

• The engine failure occurred at a low altitude of roughly 80 meters.
• The aircraft sustained extensive structural damage, including a crushed fuselage, broken windows, and the separation of the main landing gear and tailwheel.
• The right wing was torn from its forward attachment, causing the fuel line to the gauge to rupture and leak fuel at the scene.
• An inspection of the engine revealed that while the cylinders, crankcase, and ignition systems were intact, the intake manifold and carburetor were broken due to the impact.
• The fuel bowl contained a negligible amount of fuel, and no significant contamination was found in the carburetor filters.
• The pilot had limited recent experience with this specific aircraft type, having flown the model only three hours in total, with his last flight in this aircraft occurring over a year prior.