What happened
On March 22, 2001, a Cessna Citation 501 SP, registration VP-CCD, arrived at Zurich-Kloten Airport following a flight from Finthen/Mainz. The pilot had planned the flight based on an optimistic 40-minute duration, which did not account for the actual flight time of approximately 92 minutes. During the approach to Zurich, the pilot struggled with navigation, failing to intercept the correct radial and maintaining an incorrect altitude. These errors led air traffic controllers to cancel the initial approach clearance and order a go-around.
As the aircraft entered a holding pattern, the pilot'-s fuel reserves depleted rapidly. Although the pilot initially notified controllers of a low fuel situation at 09:20 UTC, the urgency of the situation was not fully communicated until an emergency was declared at 09:23 UTC. Following the declaration, the aircraft was directed on a path of approximately 50 nautical miles to the runway. The aircraft eventually landed at 09:42 UTC, with only about 10 liters of fuel remaining in the tanks—a reserve representing less than one minute of flight time.
The investigation
SUST examined the flight logs, radar recordings, and radio communications to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation focused on the pilot's fuel planning, the execution of the VOR/DME approach, and the effectiveness of the communication between the cockpit and air traffic control. Investigators also verified the accuracy of the aircraft's fuel gauges and reviewed the meteorological conditions, which included windshear warnings at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The pilot's initial fuel planning was based on an unrealistic flight time of 40 minutes, whereas the actual flight time was significantly longer.
- The first approach attempt was poorly executed, characterized by improper altitude management and failure to intercept the correct course, necessitating a go-around.
- Communication regarding the impending fuel exhaustion was delayed; the pilot did not formally declare an emergency until several minutes after the initial low-fuel notification.
- The aircraft was required to fly a substantial distance of 50 nautical miles after the emergency declaration, further depleting the critical fuel margin.
- The pilot appeared to be under significant pressure, struggling to manage the complex tasks of single-pilot IFR operations while managing a fuel crisis.