Incident Overview
On May 25, 2016, a Piper PA-28-180 Archer registered as F-BVVY was involved in a serious incident at Nantes-Atlantique airport. The aircraft, operated for private general aviation purposes, carried an instructor and a student pilot. At 13:40 local time, the engine stopped while the aircraft was on final approach to runway 03 at approximately 1,500 feet. The instructor successfully landed the aircraft without any injuries or damage.
Flight Progression and Operational Context
The flight originated from Nancy-Essey at 10:05. Approximately thirty minutes after departure, the crew turned back due to a radio transmission fault caused by a faulty intercom switch. After the issue was resolved, they resumed navigation, flying in company with a TB10 aircraft that had departed later. During transit through a Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA), the VHF radio on the F-BVVY failed again. With controller approval, the flight continued under the communication umbrella of the TB10 pilot, who relayed instructions via transponder IDENT.
Fuel Management and Contributing Factors
The instructor had estimated fuel consumption at 35 liters per hour based on a planned cruise at 5,000 feet and 2,500 RPM. However, actual consumption was calculated to be approximately 43 liters per hour due to operational factors such as the absence of wheel fairings and additional climb/descent phases from the initial turnback. The instructor had limited fuel loading because it was agreed that the club operating the TB10 would cover refueling costs at the destination. Additionally, labor strikes blocking refineries and ports made diverting to alternative airports for refueling risky due to potential fuel unavailability. These factors, combined with the extended flight duration caused by the radio issues, led to the engine stoppage.