Accident Overview
On 18 June 2010 at 0922 UTC, a 1966 Piper PA-30, registration N7976Y, made an emergency landing at a private airstrip near Lymington, Hampshire. The aircraft was on a private flight from Jersey to Southampton, with two crew members and no passengers on board. One crew member received minor injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, landing gear, wings, and underside of the fuselage.
Flight and Engine Issue
The aircraft was cruising at 3,500 ft in Visual Meteorological Conditions when the pilot noted a marked drop in performance of the left engine. Despite checking engine control positions and selecting an alternative fuel tank, he could not restore power. He decided to keep the engine running as it appeared to produce some power and oil pressure was normal. A PAN was declared to Solent Radar, who granted permission for a straight-in approach to Southampton Airport.
Emergency Landing and Aftermath
As the flight continued, the pilot found it increasingly difficult to maintain height and decided to land at an airstrip near Lymington, believing he would be unable to reach Southampton. To avoid extra drag, he did not extend landing gear or flaps until on final approach. The landing gear had not locked down by the time the aircraft landed, and it collapsed on touchdown, causing the aircraft to stop quickly. The pilot and passenger vacated unaided and advised Solent Radar of the outcome via emergency services.
Investigation
Following the emergency landing, the fuel system water drains were checked and no water was found. The aircraft was recovered to a maintenance facility for investigation of the engine failure and repairs. The pilot commented that with hindsight, the ailing left engine may not have been producing any power, and feathering its propeller and shutting it down might have been preferable. The extra drag from the windmilling propeller was considered a possible reason for the failure to maintain height. If a definitive cause for the engine failure is found, it will be reported in a future AAIB bulletin. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, was 62 years old, and had 1,571 total flying hours (82 on type). The fuel on board included 50 US gallons in main tanks, 10 US gallons each in two auxiliary tanks, and 7 US gallons each in two tip tanks. Fuel levels were checked with a dipstick before departure, and water drains were satisfactory.