What happened
On August 5, 2011, at approximately 4:45 p.m., a Cessna 182P, registration HI 265, was performing a commercial flight training mission when it experienced an engine failure. The aircraft was operating on a route between Samaná and Punta Cana, specifically returning to Punta Cana International Airport after completing a series of training maneuvers.
The pilot, accompanied by an instructor and three passengers, was flying through the Paraje La Zanja area in the La Altagracia province when the engine ceased functioning. The pilot performed an emergency landing on uneven terrain characterized by low vegetation. While the four occupants escaped the crash uninjured, the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a broken left main landing gear, a deformed left elevator horizontal plane, and dents on the left wing leading edge.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the flight history, maintenance records, and the physical state of the aircraft. The investigation established that the aircraft had been flying for several hours that day, performing various training maneuvers such as climbs, descents, and simulated stalls, which significantly increased fuel consumption compared to standard navigation flights.
Investigators performed a visual inspection of the fuel tanks and verified the cockpit gauges, finding that both tanks were empty. The fuel selector was found in the "BOTH" position. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot's commercial license and medical certificate were valid, and the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was current, having undergone an annual inspection shortly before the event.
Findings
- The pilot failed to refuel the aircraft at any of the airports visited during the day's training itinerary.
- The aircraft was operating without the minimum required fuel reserves.
- The pilot failed to comply with VFR regulations regarding fuel requirements, which mandate that an aircraft must have enough fuel to reach the intended destination plus an additional 45 minutes of flight time.
- The high fuel consumption rate caused by intensive training maneuvers depleted the remaining fuel faster than anticipated.