What happened
On 3 August 1998, a FUJI FA-200-160, registration G-BAPM, was conducting a private flight from Midden Zeeland to Biggin Hill. During the flight, the pilot noted that groundspeeds were lower than anticipated and fuel levels were depleting more rapidly than planned. After crossing the English Channel, the pilot observed that both fuel gauges were reading nearly empty.
As the aircraft approached Biggin Hill, the engine began to misfire. Although the pilot attempted to manage the situation by switching fuel tanks and contacting Rochester to divert, the engine misfired again. The pilot declared a Mayday and performed an emergency landing in a field at Dean Street, E Farleigh. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage after striking a hedge, the pilot and passengers were able to exit the aircraft. There were no fatalities, though two passengers sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot's fuel calculations were based on an estimated flight time that did not account for the actual wind conditions. While the pilot had estimated a flight time of 1 hour 50 minutes for the leg to Biggin Hill, the actual groundspeed was significantly lower than expected.
Meteorological data revealed that while a forecast had predicted south-westerly winds, the actual wind at 2,000 feet was increasing from 27 knots to 47 knots. This unexpected headwind contributed to the aircraft running out of fuel approximately 15 minutes earlier than the pilot had calculated. Additionally, the pilot noted that fuel consumption was approximately 2.7 litres per hour higher than the figures provided in the aircraft manual.
Findings
- The aircraft ran out of fuel due to stronger than forecast headwinds.
- The pilot's fuel planning was undermined by a higher-than-expected fuel consumption rate compared to the aircraft manual.
- Deteriorating weather conditions contributed to the pilot being distracted from active fuel management and the decision-making process regarding a diversion.