Streak Shadow, G-CZBE, 6 May 2008

Streak Shadow, G-CZBE

Summary:

The flight was planned from Charterhall to Retford, a distance of 160 n.m.. Both fuel tanks were full on departure. As the aircraft was approximately 20 n.m from Retford, the pilot noticed that there was 1/3 of the fuel remaining in the lower fuel tank; the main tank having already been exhausted. He decided to continue to Retford; however, approximately 10 nm from the airfield he noticed that the tank was now almost empty. Approximately 7 nm from Retford the engine stopped; the aircraft was then at a height of around 1,000 feet. The pilot carried out a forced landing in a field, sustaining minor injuries. The pilot stated that the range for the Streak Shadow is around 260 nm. The pilot had carried out a number of long distance flights in another Streak Shadow, however, this was his first in G-CZBE. He considered that the error in fuel planning was caused by the difference in fuel consumption between the model he was familiar with and the particular propeller/engine combination fitted to this aircraft, and also a strong headwind on the day of the accident.

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Streak Shadow, G-CZBE 08-08.pdf (244.05 kb)

Published 10 December 2014