Accident Summary
On 17 July 2014, a Quest Kodiak 100 aircraft, registration N669LG, operated by a private individual, was involved in an accident near Brijuni, Croatia. The flight had three persons on board: a pilot and two passengers. During the flight, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the occupants received minor injuries.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation report, the flight departed from Locher-Sarentino airfield and was en route to Pula Airport. During the flight, the pilot reported a fuel quantity warning and subsequently lost engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing in the Brijuni area. The aircraft came to rest on the ground, with visible damage to the fuselage and wings.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the immediate cause of the accident was an incorrect fuel quantity indication, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributory factors included:
- Absence of a procedure in the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for abnormal fuel quantity indications.
- The pilot's insufficient knowledge of the fuel indication system.
- The fuel quantity indicators had not been calibrated as required by Mandatory Service Bulletin SB12-04.
The aircraft was equipped with fuel quantity indicators that were found to be uncalibrated. The mandatory service bulletin SB12-04 required calibration, but it had not been completed on this aircraft.
Probable Cause
The investigation concluded that the probable cause was incorrect fuel quantity indication leading to fuel exhaustion and engine power loss. Contributory factors included lack of POH procedures, pilot unfamiliarity with the system, and non-compliance with the mandatory service bulletin.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including structural deformation. All three occupants sustained minor injuries. No fatalities were reported.