Engine failure during training flight leads to forced landing in Socata TB9

Casualties unknown • RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, GB

A Socata TB9 Tampico experienced engine failure due to fuel starvation during a check flight near Gloucestershire Airport, resulting in a forced landing.

What happened

On 4 May 2008, a Socata TB9 Tampico, registration G-BIZE, was conducting a local flight near Gloucestershire Airport. The flight was part of an approval process for a pilot to fly the aircraft solo following a recent syndicate purchase. The flight included the pilot in command and a passenger who was a committee member of the aircraft syndicate.

After completing an initial circuit and a rejected takeoff, the crew decided to perform another circuit. During the base leg of this circuit, the passenger noticed a knocking sound from the engine and requested a PAN call. As the aircraft descended below 50 and was approximately one mile from the runway, the engine stopped due to fuel starvation. The pilot performed a forced landing in a nearby field. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the tailplane leading edge, the aircraft step, and the main wheel spats.

The investigation

The investigation examined the fuel management and the cockpit dynamics between the two occupants. It was noted that the pilot in command had recently completed a check flight with an instructor but was relatively new to this specific aircraft type. The investigation also looked into the accuracy of the fuel gauges, as the left tank indicated just under a quarter full while the right tank indicated just under half full. Post-accident recovery of fuel showed that the left tank contained approximately one litre, while the right tank contained between 15 and 20 litres. This discrepancy suggested that both gauges may have been over-reading.

Findings

  • The engine failed because the pilot did not switch between fuel tanks to maintain a continuous supply.
  • The pilot's lack of familiarity with the Socata TB9 Tampico may have increased the likelihood of error.
  • The relationship between the pilot in command and the passenger, who was a syndicate member rather than a qualified instructor, may have created ambiguity in cockpit authority.
  • The fuel gauges were potentially providing inaccurate readings, which contributed to the pilot's miscalculation of remaining fuel.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the pilot failing to switch fuel tanks to ensure an uninterrupted supply, compounded by a lack of familiarity with the aircraft type and potentially inaccurate fuel gauge readings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-05-04 Socata TB9 Tampico accident near RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, GB?

A Socata TB9 Tampico experienced engine failure due to fuel starvation during a check flight near Gloucestershire Airport, resulting in a forced landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-05-04 involved a Socata TB9 Tampico, registration G-BIZE, at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the pilot failing to switch fuel tanks to ensure an uninterrupted supply, compounded by a lack of familiarity with the aircraft type and potentially inaccurate fuel gauge readings.

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