Engine failure leads to forced landing of Wassmer WA-52 near Naarden

Casualties unknown • Emergency landing after engine malfunction, Wassmer WA-52, Naarden, NL

A single-engine aircraft experienced an engine failure during an overland flight, resulting in a forced landing in a field and the total destruction of the aircraft.

What happened

On January 14, 2006, a Wassmer WA-52, registration D-ENJC, was performing an overland flight from Texel toward Rotterdam via several intermediate stops. While cruising at approximately 1,400 feet near Naarden, the engine ceased functioning. The pilot, carrying one passenger, attempted an emergency landing in a small rectangular field located near residential houses and a nursing home.

Upon approaching the landing site, the pilot observed that the field was intersected by ditches and fences. To avoid these obstacles, the pilot attempted to touch down at a minimal speed. The aircraft'le tail struck the ground first, causing the plane to bounce and subsequently impact the ground in a stalled condition approximately 10 meters further along the path. The aircraft came to a halt about 100 meters from the nearby houses. Both occupants sustained light injuries, including bruises and abrasions, and were treated at a hospital.

The investigation

The investigation, supported by findings from the National Police Aviation Service, examined the aircraft's fuel state and engine condition. Investigators found that the right fuel tank was nearly empty, while the left tank contained approximately 39 liters. The fuel selector was set to the right tank. While the right wing was resting on the ground after the crash, testing confirmed the tank was watertight, and no significant fuel leakage was found at the scene.

Mechanical inspections of the engine, which had only 12 hours of flight time following a recent overhaul, revealed no technical defects. The spark plugs, exhaust ports, and magnetos were all in good working order, and there was no evidence of carburetor icing. However, the mixture control lever was found in the full-lean position, likely due to the engine mount breaking away from the firewall during the impact.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion in the active tank.
  • The pilot's estimated fuel consumption of 32 liters per hour was significantly lower than the actual consumption, which was approximately 41 liters per hour.
  • The pilot had been switching tanks roughly every 30 minutes, but the right tank ran dry during the flight.
  • The investigation concluded that switching to the left tank immediately following the engine failure might have prevented the accident.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion in the right tank, resulting from an underestimation of the aircraft's actual fuel consumption rate compared to the pilot's calculated expectations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null aircraft accident near Emergency landing after engine malfunction, Wassmer WA-52, Naarden, NL?

A single-engine aircraft experienced an engine failure during an overland flight, resulting in a forced landing in a field and the total destruction of the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, at Emergency landing after engine malfunction, Wassmer WA-52, Naarden, NL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion in the right tank, resulting from an underestimation of the aircraft's actual fuel consumption rate compared to the pilot's calculated expectations.

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