What happened
On 25 May 2013, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BOVK, was conducting a private pleasure flight from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). The flight, which included the pilot and three passengers, was intended to practice navigation using a tablet device.
While the aircraft was on its approach to LBA, specifically as it turned onto the base leg for Runway 3 and 32, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power, followed by a hesitation and a complete shutdown. Given the aircraft's altitude and its position over a built-up area, the pilot opted not to attempt an engine restart or a fuel tank switchover. Instead, the pilot focused on a controlled glide to a suitable landing site.
The aircraft performed an engine-off landing in a field approximately four miles south of LBA. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck livestock electric fence posts, which caused dents to the leading edges of both wings. Despite the impact with the fence posts, there were no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers, all of whom vacated the aircraft safely.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the fuel system and the circumstances surrounding the engine failure. The investigation established that the right fuel tank was empty at the time of the incident, while the left tank contained 15 imperial gallons. There was no evidence of any fuel leaks.
The investigation also looked into the pilot's cockpit procedures. The pilot had been using a tablet-based navigation aid mounted on the control yoke. This device partially obstructed the pilot's view of the right fuel tank contents gauge, which is located on the left side of the instrument panel.
Findings
- The engine shutdown was caused by fuel starvation.
- The right fuel tank had run dry.
- The pilot's focus on the electronic navigation aid, combined with the physical obstruction of the fuel gauge, contributed to the failure to notice the depleting fuel levels.
- A change in the planned flight route, necessitated by low cloud, caused the pilot's planned fuel tank switchover point to coincide with a turn, which led to the oversight of the tank changeover.