Engine failure and forced landing of Partenavia P68TC

Casualties unknown • Gratwich near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, GB

A Partenavia P68TC experienced total engine failure during a flight from France to the UK, resulting in a heavy forced landing in Staffordshire.

What happened

On 3 June 2001, a privately owned Partenally P68TC, registration N33PV, was conducting a flight from Meaux, France, to Liverpool, UK. During the flight, the aircraft's right engine lost power while cruising at 3,500 feet south of Leicester. Shortly after, the pilot reported a total loss of engine power. The aircraft descended towards Tatenhill, but the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing in a ploughed field near Gratwich, Staffordshire. The impact was heavy due to the upward slope of the terrain and soft ground. The crash resulted in 4 serious injuries and 1 minor injury, with the aircraft being destroyed.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation focused on the fuel system and the sequence of engine failures. Investigators found that while the cockpit controls indicated a standard 'tank-to-engine' configuration, the right-hand fuel selector valve was in an intermediate position. This misalignment, caused by a lack of synchronization between the cockpit knob and the wing valve, allowed fuel to transfer between the two wing tanks.

At the time of the accident, the right tank was empty, while the left tank contained approximately 15 gallons. The investigation established that the right engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. Subsequently, air from the empty right tank entered the left engine's supply line, causing the second engine to fail. The investigation also noted that the pilot had left the aircraft during refuelling at Meaux, which may have led to an incomplete replenishment of the right tank.

Findings

  • The right engine lost power because the fuel supply from the right tank had been exhausted.
  • The right-hand fuel selector valve was incorrectly positioned, allowing fuel to migrate between tanks.
  • The loss of the left engine was caused by air being drawn from the empty right tank into the left engine's fuel line.
  • The right wing tank had not been replenished during the refuelling stop at Meaux.
  • The heavy nature of the forced landing was due to the aircraft hitting an upward slope in a soft, ploughed field.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the engine failure was the exhaustion of fuel in the right tank, which was exacerbated by a misaligned fuel selector valve that allowed fuel to transfer between tanks, eventually leading to the loss of both engines when air entered the left engine's fuel supply.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-06-03 Partenavia P68TC accident near Gratwich near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, GB?

A Partenavia P68TC experienced total engine failure during a flight from France to the UK, resulting in a heavy forced landing in Staffordshire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-06-03 involved a Partenavia P68TC, registration N33PV, at Gratwich near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the engine failure was the exhaustion of fuel in the right tank, which was exacerbated by a misaligned fuel selector valve that allowed fuel to transfer between tanks, eventually leading to the loss of both engines when air entered the left engine's fuel supply.

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