What happened
On June 9, 2002, a Reims F152, registration PH-JJM, was conducting a training flight near Stolwijk, Netherlands. The flight, involving an instructor and a student, was intended to practice engine failure procedures. During the exercise at approximately 1,500 feet, the instructor closed the fuel cock to simulate a loss of power. This action caused the engine to stop.
Following the shutdown, the student attempted standard emergency procedures, including selecting a landing site and reopening the fuel valve. However, the engine failed to restart. As the aircraft approached the chosen field, it had to clear a line of trees and a canal. The instructor attempted a final restart attempt during the descent, but the engine remained non-functional. The student performed an emergency landing in a field, but the available runway length of approximately 270 meters was insufficient for the required 400-meter stopping distance. The aircraft overran the field and came to rest in a ditch. Both occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the execution of the simulated engine failure procedure. Investigators examined the aircraft's technical condition, the flight logs, and the procedures used by the flight school. Technical analysis confirmed that the engine and fuel systems were functioning correctly and that there were no mechanical defects contributing to the shutdown. The investigation also reviewed the suitability of the chosen landing site and the instructor's management of the emergency.
Findings
- The instructor initiated the simulation by closing the fuel cock to create a surprise element for the student.
- The engine failed to restart because the fuel lines likely required priming after the fuel supply was completely cut off.
- The selected landing field was too short to accommodate the aircraft's landing roll, especially given the lack of engine power for a go-around.
- The instructor did not take control of the aircraft to finalize the emergency landing decision sooner.
- Most flight schools in the Netherlands typically simulate power loss by reducing throttle rather than cutting fuel.
Safety action
To prevent similar incidents, the investigation recommended that the Minister of Transport and Water Management urge flight schools and instructors to use throttle reduction rather than shutting off the fuel supply during simulated engine failure exercises. This is intended to avoid the risk of an unrecoverable engine shutdown.