Incident Overview
On 13 June 2005, at approximately 0850 hours UTC, a Piper PA-28RT-201T (registration G-JANG) experienced a complete loss of engine power while en route from Swansea to Exeter. The aircraft, which had been filled to capacity with 280 litres of Avgas three days earlier for a flight to Kerry, had returned to Swansea the previous day with 160 litres of fuel consumed. The pilot arrived at Swansea Airport at 0815 hours on the day of the incident and added 40 litres of fuel, bringing the total fuel on board to 160 litres. A pre-flight inspection revealed no defects and clear fuel from all three water drains.
Flight and Emergency
The aircraft departed Swansea Airport from Runway 28 at 0846 hours, turning left to follow the coast toward Mumbles Head, intending to track direct to Exeter. While cruising east at an altitude of 1,500 feet, the engine lost all power. The pilot immediately lowered the nose and transmitted a MAYDAY call, then attempted an unsuccessful engine restart.
Forced Landing and Rescue
Descending below 1,000 feet above ground level, the pilot assessed the surrounding terrain, noting populated areas to the left and fields beyond safe gliding range. Observing people on nearby beaches, he decided to ditch the aircraft. With the landing gear retracted, he executed a successful downwind landing on the water approximately half a mile from a Coast Guard station. The pilot, who had been wearing a life jacket, climbed out of the aircraft and inflated a spare life jacket for additional flotation. A fishing vessel promptly rescued him, and he was taken to a hospital but sustained no injuries. The aircraft sank in about 6.5 metres of water.
Investigation Notes
Samples of fuel from the supply at Swansea were retained and found visually satisfactory; no other aircraft reported fuel issues. The pilot believed a fuel system problem caused the engine failure. Due to strong currents in the area that could move and break up the wreckage, the decision was made not to recover the aircraft for further investigation.