What happened
On 11 May 2001, a Piper PA-30, registration G-ASRH, was conducting a ferry flight from the Isle of Man to Blackpool. The purpose of the flight was to transport the aircraft to a maintenance facility to renew its Certificate of Airworthiness. Following extensive engineering work and engine ground runs on the Isle of Man, the aircraft had been cleared for a single flight to Blackpool with the landing gear extended.
After departing from runway 08, the pilot performed various systems and handling checks near the coast under favorable weather conditions. The flight proceeded normally until the aircraft reached a position approximately 12 nm west of Blackpool. At 0950 hrs, the left engine began a gradual loss of power. After attempting various checks without success, the pilot feathered the left propeller and shut down the engine. Although the pilot informed the Blackpool radar controller of the issue, an emergency was not immediately declared as altitude could still be maintained.
However, at 0953 hrs, the pilot declared an emergency when the right engine also began losing power. With total power loss imminent, the pilot prepared for a ditching, ensuring survival equipment was ready and donning a life jacket. The aircraft struck the sea with the landing gear retracted and flaps up. The impact was described as light, with the fuselage and wings remaining above the surface initially. The pilot exited the aircraft and remained on the wing until the plane submerged. A helicopter located the pilot in the water, and he was rescued by a fast rescue craft approximately 15 minutes after entering the sea. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the sequence of engine failures and the aircraft's performance during the ditching. Investigators reviewed the maintenance history, noting that the aircraft had undergone significant work on both engines, including the replacement of the left engine's number 3 cylinder due to poor performance during ground runs. The investigation also examined the pilot's actions during the emergency and the effectiveness of the emergency procedures.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a progressive loss of power, starting with the left engine and subsequently affecting the right engine.
- Total power loss occurred due to unknown mechanical or system failures that could not be further analyzed because the wreckage was not recovered from the seabed.
- The pilot's decision to feather the left engine and prepare for ditching was executed effectively, resulting in a successful water landing and survival.