What happened
On 5 August 2006, a Cessna T303 Crusader, registration G-PTWB, was performing a private VFR flight from Durham Tees Valley Airport back to Denham Airfield. The flight, which included the pilot and five passengers, was intended for a group attending a football match.
During the final approach to Runway 06 at Denham, the aircraft entered a left turn. During this maneuver, the right engine lost power, and the left engine failed to respond to power increases. The aircraft's airspeed dropped, causing the right wing to stall and the plane to descend into a wooded area short of the runway. The impact resulted in 6 serious injuries (including the pilot) and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the aircraft's fuel system, weight and balance, and the pilot's recent flight training. Investigators analyzed radar data to estimate fuel consumption and reviewed the aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).
Testing of the fuel system revealed that the crossfeed emergency shutoff control was not clearly explained in the manual, leading to potential confusion regarding its operation. Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft was loaded beyond its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 5,150 lbs. The pilot had placed heavier passengers and baggage in the rear, which pushed the center of gravity beyond the permitted aft limit.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was fuel starvation of both engines.
- The pilot attempted to use the crossfeed system to move fuel from the left tank to the right engine; however, the fuel level in the left tank was too low to reach the crossfeed pick-up point.
- The aircraft was operated above its maximum takeoff weight and outside of its permitted center of gravity envelope.
- The aircraft lacked sufficient fuel reserves to safely complete the return leg of the flight without refueling at the intermediate stop.
- The pilot had consumed alcohol earlier in the day, though its specific impact on performance could not be determined.