What happened
On 1 March 2019, a Tecnam P2006T, registration EC-LHB, operated by Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell, performed an emergency landing in a crop field near Torre de Claramunt, Spain. The aircraft was conducting a dual-control training flight as part of an ATPL(A) course, traveling from Pamplona back to Sabadell.
During the descent, the aircraft experienced a dual engine failure. The left engine failed first, and although the crew attempted a restart, the engine failed again shortly after. Subsequently, the right engine also stopped. The instructor declared a MAYDAY to air traffic control, initially intending to divert to Igualada aerodrome, but ultimately decided to land in a nearby field due to the rapid loss of altitude and speed. The aircraft landed in a 240x70 meter field; neither the instructor nor the student pilot sustained injuries, and the aircraft remained undamaged.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the cause of the engine stoppage and the crew's management of the emergency. Investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system, maintenance logs, and refueling procedures. Analysis of the fuel logs and consumption rates revealed that while the crew believed the aircraft had been fully refueled, the actual fuel quantity was insufficient for the flight duration.
Technical calculations determined that the aircraft likely took off with approximately 75% of its total fuel capacity. The investigation ruled out mechanical failures, fuel leaks, or abnormal consumption rates. Instead, it identified that the refueling process had not reached the required levels, likely due to a reliance on visual checks rather than cockpit gauges. The investigation also noted that while the propellers were not feathered—a procedure recommended in the Flight Manual for double engine failure—the instructor's decision to land in the field was appropriate given the circumstances.
Findings
- The primary cause of the dual engine failure was fuel starvation.
- The aircraft was not fully refueled prior to departure, despite the flight logs indicating a full tank.
- The crew relied on visual inspections of the fuel tanks during refueling rather than using the cockpit gauges, which are the only reliable indicators of fuel quantity.
- The aircraft took off with approximately 152-153 liters of fuel, whereas the total capacity is 200 liters.
- The instructor's emergency handling, including the decision to land in a field and the communication with ATC, was effective and prevented further incident.