What happened
On 21 September 2001, an Extra 30 and 00, registration G-XCCC, was conducting a private ferry flight from Meppershall to Rochester Aerodrome. The flight was being operated by a pilot with 414 total flying hours, accompanied by the aircraft's new owner as a passenger. Prior to departure, the crew had noted that the wing tanks contained approximately 40-50 litres of fuel, while the centre fuselage tank was nearly empty, and they intended to replenish the centre tank for the journey.
As the aircraft approached Rochester, the pilot planned to join the traffic circuit for a landing on Runway 34. During the final approach, observing another aircraft preparing to depart, the pilot decided to execute a go-around. As the throttle was advanced, the engine experienced a brief increase in power followed by an almost total loss of engine power. The pilot issued a MAYDAY call and attempted to use the throttle to recover, but the engine failed to respond. The aircraft performed a descending left turn and landed heavily near the runway. While the pilot escaped unhurt, the passenger sustained one minor injury to the lower back. The aircraft sustained significant damage to its propeller, engine attachments, wings, and landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation examined the fuel system configuration and the pilot's actions during the flight. It was noted that the fuel selector in this aircraft type is positioned near the pilot's right thigh, making it difficult to visually verify the setting, often requiring the pilot to rely on tactile feedback.
Post-accident inspections of the aircraft revealed that the centre tank was nearly full, while the wing tanks contained only about two litres of fuel. The engine itself was found to be mechanically sound after being test-run following repairs. The pilot indicated that he had flown using the wing tanks from Mepperslot and believed he had switched to the centre tank before reaching Rochester, though he did not activate the electric boost pump.
Findings
- The engine power loss was consistent with insufficient fuel delivery to the engine during the go-around.
- There was no mechanical fault found within the engine itself.
- It is possible that the fuel selector was either not switched to the centre tank or the change was incomplete.
- The pilot had not activated the electric boost pump, which the manufacturer's manual specifies is required for take-offs and landings when using the centre tank.