What happened
On August 20, 2019, a Tecnam P2002 Sierra, registration LV-S050, was conducting a general aviation training flight when it experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The flight, which included a pilot and a flight instructor, had originally planned a route from Morón to Rosario and Paraná, with a subsequent return to Morón. During the final leg, the crew performed a simulated emergency landing practice at General Las Herasc aerodrome before proceeding to their destination.
While performing a visual approach to runway 20 at Morón Aerodrome, the crew executed a steep right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the engine power failed and ceased completely. The crew declared an emergency and successfully performed a landing on the runway with the engine stopped. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway via taxiway C, where it came to a final halt.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the technical and operational circumstances surrounding the power loss. Investigators examined the fuel system, the aircraft's maintenance records, and the flight procedures used by the crew. The inquiry also looked into discrepancies found within the aircraft's documentation and the suitability of onboard safety equipment.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating with the right fuel tank selected, which contained only approximately 10 liters of remaining fuel.
- The crew had not activated the electric fuel pump prior to the approach.
- The engine power loss occurred during a steep right-hand turn.
- There was no definitive evidence found of a mechanical failure within the engine or the fuel system itself.
- The aircraft's flight manuals contained significant errors; specifically, the checklists instructed the crew to set both fuel valves to "ON," even though the aircraft is equipped with a single selector valve that cannot select both tanks simultaneously.
- The onboard fire extinguisher was a dry powder type, which is unsuitable for use in a confined cockpit due to the risk of obscuring visibility and contaminating the air during an emergency.
Safety action
- A recommendation was directed to the manufacturer, Contruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam, to revise the flight manual checklists to accurately reflect the actual configuration of the fuel selector valve.
- A recommendation was made to the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) to update airworthiness advisories regarding the use of appropriate fire extinguishing agents as alternatives to Halon.