What happened
On September 29, 2001, at approximately 17:10 UTC, a Piper PA-19 was performing a repositioning flight from Podersdorf am See to Gols, Austria. The pilot had previously completed agricultural flight operations earlier that day and was tasked with moving the aircraft to a landing field in Gols for overnight storage.
Prior to the final approach, the pilot flew over the Gols landing field at cruising altitude in a direction opposite to the landing heading to check the wind direction via a windsock. During the left crosswind approach to the landing strip (landing direction 150°), the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to increase power using the throttle, but the attempt was unsuccessful. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a vineyard located north of the landing field.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB). The sequence of events was reconstructed based on statements provided by the aircraft occupants and findings from the local Gendarmerie and investigation officials. The investigation focused on the flight path, the mechanical performance of the engine during the approach, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of engine power during the approach phase.
- The pilot was unable to recover power via the throttle following the engine failure.
- The aircraft sustained a total loss of the airframe (destroyed).
- The pilot and the passenger both sustained light injuries.
- The crash resulted in significant property damage to a vineyard and a fuel leak from a ruptured line contaminated the soil.
- Environmental conditions at the time of the accident were misty with temperatures around 18°C during twilight.