What happened
On 28 June 2009, a Piper PA-32RT-300T Turbo Cherokee, registration G-LUNA, was conducting a private flight near Lydd Airport. While flying at 2,000 ft, approximately seven miles from the airfield, the pilot activated the fuel pump and switched the fuel selector from the left to the right tank. Within seconds, the engine experienced a drop in manifold pressure and a decay in RPM. Despite the pilot attempting to restore power by selecting a rich mixture, switching back to the original tank, and using the alternate air source, the engine failed to recover and eventually stopped.
In preparation for an emergency landing, the pilot approached a nearby vessel, opened the cabin door, and engaged the manual landing gear override to prevent the gear from extending at low speeds. The pilot performed a ditching on the crest of a five-metre swell. The aircraft initially touched down tail-first and bounced before the fuselage submerged. Although the aircraft briefly floated, it eventually pitched nose-down and sank. The pilot, who was uninjured, exited onto the wing and signaled for help. While the first vessel observed the event but did not stop, a second ship responded to the MAYDAY call and facilitated the pilot's rescue.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report provided by the pilot and subsequent AAIB enquiries. The pilot noted that the aircraft had been refuelled to capacity prior to departure. During the emergency, the pilot experienced approximately 20 minutes in the water before being transferred to a lifeboat and airlifted to a hospital for treatment of mild hypothermia.
Findings
- The engine failure was characterized by a loss of manifold pressure and engine misfiring.
- The pilot suspected the cause might have been contaminated fuel, a faulty fuel selector, or debris within the fuel injectors, though no other aircraft refuelling at Lydd reported similar issues.
- No technical examination of the engine could be performed as the aircraft sank and was not recovered.
- The pilot noted an intention to wear a lifejacket for all future flights over water.