What happened
On January 19, 2005, a Piper PA 34-200T Seneca, registration OK-JKS, was performing a training flight at Hradec Králové Airport (LKHK) for a student pilot undergoing multi-engine training. During a simulated repeated takeoff maneuver, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines at an altitude of approximately 3 to 4 meters.
The flight instructor took control and decided to land on runway 16. The aircraft touched down on the right edge of the runway with a slight left bank and left drift. Immediately after touchdown, a short-term increase in power occurred in the left engine, which induced a sharp right roll. The instructor was unable to correct the bank using the ailerons, causing the right wingtip to strike the ground. This led to a ground loop and the aircraft overturning to the right. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident. The instructor and passenger were uninjured, while the student pilot sustained one light injury.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation focused on the fuel system configuration and the sequence of engine power changes. Investigators examined the fuel levels following the accident and found that the left tank was empty, while the right tank contained approximately 110–1s20 liters of fuel.
While the fuel selectors were found in the 'ON' position by the investigation commission, the investigators noted that an operator employee had moved them to 'OFF' after the accident to prevent fuel leakage. Analysis of the fuel consumption indicated that during the flight, the engines were drawing fuel only from the left tank, suggesting the right fuel selector was likely in the 'X-FEED' position.
Findings
- The crew failed to notice the uneven fuel consumption from the tanks during the flight.
- The crew did not strictly follow the 'NORMAL PROCEDURES' regarding the fuel selector check prior to landing, which would have verified that both tanks were supplying fuel.
- During the engine failure phase of the takeoff maneuver, the instructor did not follow the 'EMERGENCY PROCEDURES' instruction to immediately close both throttles, which would have mitigated the torque effects.
- The immediate cause of the accident was the short-term restoration of power to the left engine immediately after touchdown, which created a torque effect that induced a severe right roll and subsequent wing strike.