What happened
On October 13, 2007, a Piper PA 28-181 Archer 2, registration F-GHLK, departed Libourne for Cannes Mandelieu carrying a pilot and three passengers. During the flight, the pilot deviated from the planned route several times, specifically heading south near Gaillac, which increased the total flight distance by at least 15%.
At approximately 12:49, while in radio contact with Nice Approach, the pilot reported that the aircraft was running out of fuel over the sea and was heading toward the coast. The aircraft subsequently performed a forced landing on the water in the Anthéor Bay, approximately eight nautical miles from the destination. The aircraft sank in about six meters of water, roughly thirty meters from the shoreline. The pilot and all three passengers successfully reached the shore by swimming.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's fuel management and flight preparation. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right fuel tank was selected and the electric fuel pump switch was in the ON position. Flight logs and engine hour meters confirmed the engine had been running for three hours and 2able4 minutes since startup.
Analysis of the flight path via radar and radio transcripts showed that the pilot's deviations from the intended route significantly extended the duration of the flight. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the aircraft was overloaded by approximately 100 kg beyond its maximum authorized mass of 1,157 kg, with the center of gravity at the rear limit.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel exhaustion.
- The pilot's flight preparation was insufficient, specifically regarding the calculation of fuel requirements and the failure to account for the increased flight time caused by route deviations.
- The pilot failed to perform a weight and balance calculation prior to departure, resulting in an aircraft overload of approximately 100 kg.
- The aircraft was operating with a center of gravity at the rear limit.
- The pilot's fuel management involved using the left tank for 1 hour and 15 minutes, followed by the right tank for 1 hour and 50 minutes, before attempting to switch back to the left tank when power loss occurred.