What happened
On 29 July 2011, a Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk, registration G-RVRF, was performing a private flight from Manchester/Barton City Airport. Shortly after takeoff, at an estimated altitude of 200 feet, the engine experienced a rapid and significant loss of power. The pilot transmitted a MAYDAY call, but the aircraft's climb attitude was maintained, leading to a noticeable deceleration.
As the aircraft lost speed, it entered a stall, rolling more than 60 degrees to the left. The aircraft then entered a steep descent, striking two houses in Newlands Avenue, Eccles. The impact caused a sustained post-crash fire that engulfed the wreckage and damaged the adjacent properties. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, while the passenger survived with serious injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the wreckage, the engine, and the fuel system. Analysis of CCTV audio from a nearby location confirmed the engine stopped approximately 36 seconds after takeoff power was applied. Investigators performed test flights using a similar aircraft to simulate an engine failure after takeoff (EFATO). These tests demonstrated that while a pilot might have a window of roughly 25 to 30 seconds to react, the suddenness of the stoppage in this instance likely prevented the pilot from performing the necessary recovery manoeuvre of lowering the nose.
Technical examination of the fuel selector valve revealed that the valve was exceptionally stiff and showed signs of significant wear. Testing showed that the connection between the selector handle and the internal valve plug was loose, meaning the handle could be moved without the internal valve actually changing position. This discrepancy meant the valve could have been in an intermediate position, restricting fuel flow.
Findings
- The engine suffered a rapid loss of power due to insufficient fuel flow.
- The stiffness of the fuel selector valve and wear on the connecting rod likely resulted in the valve being in an intermediate position, reducing fuel delivery to a level too low to sustain operation.
- The pilot likely failed to lower the aircraft's nose immediately following the engine stoppage, leading to the stall.
- The post-impact fire was fueled by the release of fuel from the wing tanks upon impact with the residential structures.
- The pilot's pre-flight actions, including changing fuel tanks, may have inadvertently left the valve in a restricted state without the pilot realizing it due to the lack of tactile feedback.