History of the Flight
The aircraft, a 1967 Piper PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow (G-AVWN) with one Lycoming IO-360-B1E piston engine, was returning from Caernarfon to Jersey with two passengers. The pilot, aged 51, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 798 total flying hours (447 on type). Before departure, he refuelled with 53 litres: 30 litres in the right tank and the remainder in the left, recalling a total of 130 litres on board. He performed an abbreviated check including a fuel contents check and fuel sample. During takeoff and initial cruise, all engine indications were normal.
While cruising at FL55 after passing Exeter, the engine surged slightly, followed by more dramatic surges. The pilot moved the propeller lever to fully fine and switched on the electric fuel pump, suspecting a propeller control issue. He requested radar vectors for a precautionary landing at Exeter Airport. The surging stopped and the engine continued running at reduced power, but the pilot realised he could not reach Exeter. He trimmed for best glide, briefed passengers, and informed Exeter ATC of a forced landing. He was directed toward the Exe estuary.
Choosing a field, he spotted power lines and turned left toward another field with drainage ditches. He intended to land wheels-up but believes the automatic override may have extended the gear partially. The aircraft touched down, slid across one ditch, and came to rest at the edge of another near a herd of cows. The impact and deceleration were comparatively gentle.
Damage and Injuries
The landing gears detached (main gears upon first ditch impact). Wings sustained extensive damage, the propeller bent, and the engine shock loaded. The three occupants (pilot and two passengers) evacuated normally without injury. No fire occurred. The pilot omitted to shut down the engine before impact but transmitted a message to Exeter ATC that he had landed and was evacuating before shutting off fuel and electrical power.
Post-Accident Findings
A recovery team reported the left fuel tank nearly full and the right tank virtually empty (less than one litre recovered, with no leaks evident). The pilot stated in his analysis that he had been running on the right tank initially and changed to the left tank about 10 minutes before the incident, as part of a FREDA check. He had moved the selector with the electric fuel pump on, then switched the pump off. At the time of power loss, he believed the aircraft was on the left tank. He later selected the right tank as a diagnostic action. He was at a loss to explain the fuel imbalance and questioned whether it was the initial cause of the power loss.
The pilot acknowledged he did not check the engine or fuel gauges during the emergency. He noted that his attention focused outside the cockpit on handling the aircraft. He commented that, had it not been for the power cables, the landing would have been entirely successful.