What happened
On 15 December 2004, a private flight involving an Enstrom F-28A-UK, registration G-BAAU, experienced a sudden engine failure while operating near Coton Hill, Shrewsbury. The pilot was performing a return leg of a solo flight from Barton Airport, Manchester, to Nottingham. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot mistakenly navigated toward the wrong landmark, which led to a period of flight that increased the total fuel consumption.
While flying at approximately 80 mph, the engine suddenly stopped. The pilot immediately entered autorotation and searched for a suitable landing site. Due to the low altitude and the presence of buildings and obstacles, the pilot was forced to land in a small area of open fields. During the landing, the tail rotor and a portion of the tail boom struck rising ground, causing the aircraft to hit the ground heavily. The impact was severe enough to burst the cabin doors and cause extensive damage, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft. The pilot sustained one minor injury to the left shoulder.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft and the pilot's flight planning. Post-accident inspections revealed that the fuel tanks and the fuel system were empty. The investigation also looked into the pilot's fuel planning, noting that he had relied on a fuel flow gauge reading of approximately 54 lbs/hr observed during previous flights. The pilot did not possess an engine manual, which contained more detailed fuel consumption data.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft's fuel quantity system had not undergone a required annual calibration since June 2001, which may have contributed to inaccurate fuel level readings.
Findings
- The engine stopped because the aircraft ran out of fuel.
- The pilot's fuel planning was based on an incorrect assumption of fuel consumption rates.
- The Flight Manual for the aircraft lacked sufficient information to allow for accurate fuel requirement calculations.
- The pilot's navigation error increased the duration of the flight, further depleting the remaining fuel.