What happened
On May 20, 2006, a Piper PA-38-112 was conducting a proficiency check departing from Eindhoven Airport. The flight was being supervised by an instructor, with the pilot in command performing the maneuvers. Following a simulated diversion to Budel airfield, the aircraft returned to Eindhoven to practice several go-around maneuvers.
Prior to entering the circuit, the pilot checked the fuel levels and noted that the right tank was nearly empty, while the left tank contained approximately one-quarter of its capacity. Following standard operating procedures, the pilot selected the left tank via the fuel selector switch. However, during a go-around at an altitude of roughly 20 to 40 feet, the engine failed. The instructor took control of the aircraft and successfully performed an emergency landing on the remaining portion of the runway. There were no injuries to the two occupants, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
The investigation relied on data provided by the aviation police, the instructor, and a ground mechanic, as no investigators were dispatched to the scene. The inquiry focused on the fuel delivery system to determine why the engine lost power despite the pilot's selection of the fuller tank.
Technical examination revealed that the mechanical connection between the fuel selector switch in the cockpit and the actual fuel valve was severed. While the cockpit switch could still be rotated normally, the underlying valve remained stuck in its previous position, which was the nearly empty right tank. As the fuel in that tank was exhausted, the engine ceased operation due to fuel starvation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel starvation resulting from a mechanical disconnection between the fuel selector switch and the fuel valve.
- Although the pilot correctly selected the left tank, the valve remained fixed on the right tank.
- Maintenance records indicated that the fuel valve had been lubricated every 400 flight hours in accordance with Piper Service Letter 944.
- There was no known reason why the connection failed, and the aircraft importer indicated that this is not a common or recurring issue with this specific valve type.