What happened
On September 19, 2021, at 12:31 local time, a Piper PA-32RT-300T, registration OB-2202, operated by Red Wing S.R.L., was returning to Pucallpa International Airport from Contamana. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and six passengers. While established on the left base leg for runway 02 at 1,500 feet, the engine suddenly failed.
The pilot immediately declared an emergency and transitioned to an approach for runway 20. Due to the low altitude, the pilot bypassed engine restart procedures and focused on maintaining a 90-knot glide speed. Air Traffic Control (ATC) cleared the approach, which required canceling the landing of a Boeing 737 from Star Perú. The pilot successfully extended the landing gear and flaps, completing a safe landing on runway 20 at 12:33 local time. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft or surrounding property.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the cause of the engine shutdown. Technical inspections of the aircraft revealed that while the left fuel tank was full, the right tank was empty. The investigation established that the fuel selector had remained in the right tank position throughout the flight, including during the pre-flight and takeoff checks.
Investigators also examined the pilot's medical and psychological state. While the pilot held a valid commercial license and medical certificate, the investigation identified a state of personal anxiety and stress that contributed to a loss of situational awareness. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the airport's Fire and Rescue Service (SEI) did not approach the aircraft following the emergency landing, despite the potential for fire or the need for evacuation assistance.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness due to mild anxiety and stress, which led to the failure to perform proper fuel management procedures.
- The engine shutdown was caused by fuel exhaustion in the right wing tank because the fuel selector was not switched to the tank with more fuel.
- The pilot did not attempt engine restart procedures during the emergency approach due to the low altitude and the need to prioritize the landing.
- There was an absence of a redundant fuel check procedure during the cruise phase of flight.
- The aircraft's central panel placard, which contains normal landing procedures, lacked sufficient visual prominence to alert the pilot to the necessary fuel selector change.