Flight Summary
On April 23, 2003, at 15:36 UTC, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration OK-DEV) was conducting a VFR training flight from Budapest (LHBP) to Brno-Tuřany (LKTB). On board were a pilot-instructor, a student pilot, and a passenger. The flight lasted 1 hour and 54 minutes. While on final approach for runway 28 at LKTB, the engine failed. The pilot-instructor executed a forced landing on a field approximately 2 kilometers southeast of the runway threshold. After landing, the instructor contacted LKTB tower to report that all occupants were safe and no assistance was required.
Injuries and Damage
None of the three occupants were injured. The aircraft was not damaged during the landing. No other property damage was reported.
Investigation Findings
Upon arrival, the investigation commission from the Czech Aviation Accident Investigation Bureau (ÚZPLN) found the aircraft's fuel tanks empty. The pilot-instructor held a valid CPL(A) with SEP and FI ratings and had 899 total flight hours, 100 of which were on the PA-28. The student pilot had 31 total flight hours, with 3 on type. A subsequent test flight conducted by a maintenance organization confirmed that the fuel gauges and fuel consumption were within manufacturer specifications.
The investigation determined that the pilot-instructor did not verify the actual fuel quantity before the flight but relied on an estimate. The last fuel check was performed at departure from an intermediate airport (LKBE) to Budapest.
Probable Cause
The main cause of the serious incident was an insufficient fuel quantity for the intended flight, including required reserves, due to non-compliance with pre-flight preparation regulations (L 6/I, paragraph 4.3.6.2, and L 2, paragraph 2.3.2). The immediate cause was engine stoppage in flight resulting from fuel exhaustion.