What happened
On July 28, 1998, a Mooney M-20E, registration PT-CGE, was performing a ferry flight from Recife to Palmas, with intermediate stops planned in Petrolina and Barreiras. During the final leg of the flight from Pesqueira to Petrolina, the pilot reported an engine failure while on the base leg of the approach to Petrolina Airport (SBPL).
Witnesses observed the aircraft on the final approach at approximately 150 feet. At that altitude, the aircraft's right wing dropped sharply, and the plane entered a 180-degree roll around its longitudinal axis before impacting the ground. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was a total loss.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the engine had stopped due to a lack of fuel. Although the right fuel tank contained approximately 3.0 US gallons, the fuel selector valve was found set to the left tank, which was empty.
The investigation also revealed that the landing gear was found in the retracted position but was unlocked. Investigators concluded that in an attempt to extend the aircraft's glide ratio following the engine failure, the pilot likely attempted to retract the landing gear. This action, combined with the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft's specific mechanical controls, likely diverted his attention and led to the failure to switch fuel tanks. Furthermore, the aircraft's flight planning for the leg was inaccurate, as the pilot underestimated the fuel consumption required for the flight.
Findings
- Fuel exhaustion caused the engine failure.
- The pilot had insufficient experience with the Mooney M-20E, having received only 75 minutes of transition training.
- High levels of anxiety and stress, stemming from previous flight delays and financial concerns, likely reduced the pilot's situational awareness.
- Inaccurate flight planning led to an incorrect estimation of remaining fuel endurance.
- The attempt to retract the landing gear to improve glide performance likely contributed to a loss of airspeed and control.