Incident Overview
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 from Contamana (SPCM) to Pucallpa International Airport (SPCL). The aircraft carried one pilot and six passengers, including an infant. While entering a left downwind leg for runway 02 at 1,500 feet altitude, the engine suddenly stopped. The pilot declared an emergency and maneuvered for an emergency landing on runway 20, which was executed successfully at 12:33.
Flight Details
The flight was the third of the day for the aircraft. According to the aircraft technical log, before departure to Contamana, each wing tank contained 20 gallons of fuel, totaling 40 gallons. The fuel selector remained in the right tank position during both the outbound and return flights. Average fuel consumption per leg was 10 gallons, as per the operator's manual.
Fuel Management
The pilot did not switch the fuel selector to the left tank, which had more fuel, during pre-start, pre-takeoff, or approach checklists. Consequently, when the right tank was depleted, the engine lost power. Following the engine failure, the pilot prioritized the approach and landing at 90 knots gliding speed and did not attempt an in-flight restart due to low altitude.
Emergency Response
Air traffic control cancelled the landing clearance for a Boeing 737 operated by Star Perú and alerted the airport fire service. The pilot extended the landing gear and selected appropriate flaps, landing on runway 20. After touchdown, the aircraft taxied to parking without further incident.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident inspection confirmed the right fuel tank was empty. When the fuel selector was moved to the left tank, the engine started and ran normally. No damage to the aircraft or injuries to occupants were reported. The investigation commission determined the probable cause as the pilot's loss of situational awareness, leading to failure to select the tank with sufficient fuel, resulting in engine shutdown.