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Casualties unknown

Precautionary Landing after Dual Engine Surge in Piper PA-23-250 (G-BAVZ)

Near Chester, Cheshire, GB

On June 25, 2001, a PIPER PA-23-250 (registration G-BAVZ) was involved in an aviation accident near Near Chester, Cheshire, GB. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot assessed the cause as fuel mismanagement in that he had not made changes to fuel tank selections at the appropriate time. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-09-13Data APIEditorial standards

On 25 June 2001, a Piper PA-23-250 experienced right engine surge followed by left engine issues near Chester. The pilot performed a precautionary landing with no damage or injuries. The pilot attributed the incident to fuel mismanagement.

Incident Details

At 1754 UTC on 25 June 2001, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration G-BAVZ) was en route from Biggin Hill to Liverpool in CAVOK conditions. The aircraft was operated on a private flight with one pilot and one passenger aboard. The right engine began to surge. The pilot noted that fuel flow appeared normal and suspected a faulty propeller Constant Speed Unit (CSU). The right engine was shut down. Approximately 10 minutes later, the left engine displayed similar problems. The pilot identified a suitable field and carried out a successful precautionary landing. There was no damage to the aircraft and no injuries to the occupants.

Pilot Report and Assessment

The pilot, who held a Commercial Pilots Licence and had 911 hours total flying experience (233 on type), reported the incident via an Aircraft Accident Report Form. The pilot assessed the cause of the incident as fuel mismanagement, specifically that he had not made changes to fuel tank selections at the appropriate time.

Probable cause

The pilot assessed the cause as fuel mismanagement in that he had not made changes to fuel tank selections at the appropriate time.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

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