A Spitfire IXT (G-LFIX) experienced engine failure on May 6, leading to a forced landing at Pitsford Airfield near Sywell, Northants. Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) published an incident report on Oct. 10 detailing the event. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger. Damage was sustained to the propeller and left wing, but both occupants were unharmed.
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Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The incident took place during the aircraft’s third flight of the day. The pilot was preparing to land at Sywell when he switched fuel tanks, leading to engine failure due to fuel starvation shortly after. Although the pilot attempted to restart the engine, he was unsuccessful. He issued a mayday call and diverted to Pitsford Airfield.
Upon landing at Pitsford, the aircraft touched down with excess energy. To avoid a hedge, the pilot had to manoeuvre the aircraft, which subsequently pitched onto its nose, causing damage to the propeller and left wing.
The report state that the pilot of the Spitfire IXT failed to switch to the wing tanks after takeoff on the second flight of the day. This meant that the aircraft continued to draw fuel from the fuselage tank. When the pilot later switched fuel tanks in preparation for landing at Sywell, the fuselage tank was likely very low on fuel. As a result, the engine was starved of fuel and failed.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) investigation determined that the primary cause of the accident was fuel starvation. This resulted from the pilot’s failure to switch to the wing tanks after takeoff on the second flight. The investigation also found missed opportunities to identify the low fuel level in the fuselage tank. Contributing factors to the accident may have included pilot distraction and a more relaxed approach due to the nature of the flights, which were conducted with friends.
In response to the incident, the aircraft operator has implemented new procedures requiring pilots to confirm fuselage tank contents before switching to it. The AAIB investigation also references the UK Civil Aviation Authority Safety Sense Leaflet on distraction and interruption in aviation operations, highlighting the importance of vigilance against distractions. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper fuel management and unwavering focus during flight operations, even in seemingly routine circumstances.
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