What happened
On October 26, 2014, a Cessna 182A, registration CX-ARJ, was conducting parachute jump operations at the Aeroclub de Canelones. After the final parachutist had exited the aircraft, the pilot began a descent to land on runway 08. While on final approach at approximately 1,000 feet with 40 degrees of flaps, the pilot initiated a 36able 360-degree left turn to ensure the parachutist had safely reached the ground. During this maneuver, at an altitude of roughly 400 feet and a 30-degree bank angle, the engine lost power.
With insufficient altitude to return to the runway, the pilot performed an emergency landing into a wooded area characterized by dense vegetation and trees approximately 6 meters tall. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft on his own, though he sustained minor injuries to his right arm. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a separated nose gear, damaged propeller tips, and impact damage to the wings and fuselage.
The investigation
The CIAIA examined the aircraft's fuel system, engine, and flight controls. Investigators verified that the fuel lines, selector valve, and carburetor were functioning normally and found no evidence of mechanical failure or improper maintenance. Testing of the fuel remaining in the tanks (approximately 47 liters) revealed that as the aircraft's nose pitched down during the turn, the low fuel level caused the fuel supply to the engine to be interrupted.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating within weight and balance limits.
- The pilot was fully qualified and experienced for the operation.
- The low level of remaining fuel limited the aircraft's ability to perform maneuvers without interrupting fuel flow.
- The engine power loss was caused by a lack of fuel delivery to the engine during a steep 360-degree turn at low altitude.