AAIB Report: Piper PA-32-300 (G-KNOW), Engine failure, 11 February 2022
A Piper PA-32-300 (G-KNOW) suffered engine failure in flight at Steyning Valley, South Downs Way, East Sussex on 11 February 2022.
Image: Fuel selector lever position, throttle quadrant and Alt. Air lever
On a return flight to Lydd Airport, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. The pilot attempted to carry out an emergency landing but, due to the nature of the terrain the aircraft struck the ground heavily resulting in heavy damage to the aircraft and caused significant injuries to the pilot and passenger.
The investigation identified that the cause of the engine failure was due to fuel starvation. Sufficient fuel was available to complete the flight but the fuel tank, one of four manually selected tanks, being used to feed the engine at the time of the accident had run dry
The investigation report considers fuel management guidance and discusses threat and error techniques in relation to managing significant aircraft characteristics, raising situation awareness and regularly self-briefing emergency procedures.
In response, the CAA intends to include fuel management awareness in its current safety promotional activities.
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