On 9 February 2011, a Piper PA-28-181 (Archer)
aircraft, registered VH-NRF, departed Ballina on a private flight
to Bankstown, New South Wales.
During the flight, the pilot noted the tachometer
fluctuating. After consultation with the operator, it was
determined that this was an indication problem and the flight was
continued.
When the aircraft was about 8 km NE of Bankstown at
1,200 ft, the engine lost power. The pilot commenced the engine
failure response actions and elected to land on a street. During
the landing the aircraft collided with powerlines and a power pole.
The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries.
It was considered that the engine failed as a result
of fuel starvation. The reason for the tachometer fluctuation was
not identified.
The operator conducted an investigation and
considered that, as no apparent fuel leaks were found, the aircraft
may have experienced excessive fuel burn.
As a result of this accident, the aircraft operator
issued an internal circular to all instructors to emphasise to
students the importance of fuel tank selection changes when
responding to an engine failure; amended their operations manual
with regard to fuel mixture leaning, and the use of fuel gauges and
calibration cards; included the recording of fuel uplifted at the
end of each flight so that accurate fuel flow calculations can be
conducted; and a student pilot meeting was held to highlight this
accident and the changes to the operations manual.
This accident highlights the risks associated with
operating an aircraft that has different procedures from that
previously familiar with and the importance of having accurate
knowledge of the aircraft's fuel usage.
