What happened
On December 4, 2017, a PIPER CHEROKEE PA-28-140, registration TG-IVO, was conducting a flight training mission at the San José Aerodrome in Escuintla, Guatemala. The flight involved a flight instructor and a student pilot with limited flight experience. During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the aircraft's engine began to lose power due to an interrupted fuel supply. The aircraft was unable to maintain altitude, resulting in an accident at the aerodrome.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the cockpit configuration. Investigators found that while the aircraft's scheduled maintenance was up to date and the engine was airworthy, a discrepancy was found in the fuel system. Specifically, the fuel selector valve in the cockpit did not accurately indicate which tank was selected.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the cockpit upholstery had recently been replaced by an unauthorized company lacking aviation experience. This repair work was not recorded in the aircraft's maintenance logs. The investigation established that during this upholstery installation, the fuel selector lever was not properly repositioned, which obscured the true status of the fuel valve.
Findings
- The engine lost power during the initial climb because of an insufficient fuel supply.
- The student pilot unintentionally selected the incorrect fuel tank using the fuel selector valve.
- The fuel selector lever was improperly installed following unauthorized upholstery work, which prevented the pilot from correctly identifying the selected tank.
- The aircraft's maintenance records did not include the recent interior upholstery repairs.
- The crew members sustained minor injuries and were treated at a medical center.