An unexpected incident in flight - and a safe landing
An experienced pilot takes off on a clear January day with his homebuilt experimental aeroplane for a short flight. The weather conditions are generally good, but the stratus clouds are relatively low, so he is travelling at a limited altitude.
During the flight, after around 30 minutes, the EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) to change the fuel tank. The pilot follows the routine, but just two minutes later the engine suddenly loses power and stops.
What had happened?
A quick check shows that the Unintentional fuelling selector switch to the OFF position This is an unfortunate mechanism that prevents fuel from reaching the engine. Despite a quick correction, there is no time to restart the engine. The flight altitude is not sufficient.
Reaction: Landing on a dirt track
The pilot has to find a suitable landing site in just 40 seconds. Thanks to light winds and a rural environment with fields and roads, he manages a safe landing on a deserted farm track - and the plane lands safely. without damage to the aircraft.
This incident emphasises several important lessons for pilots.
Lessons learnt: Three key findings
1. experience does not protect against negligence
Even experienced pilots are not immune to small but serious mistakes. A certain complacency can creep in unconsciously. Every action - especially with critical functions such as fuel management - should be carried out and checked consciously.
2. every action must result in a conscious reaction
Whether mechanical or electrical circuits - every operating procedure should be checked visually or acoustically. In this case, a quick check of the tank selector switch would have been crucial to avoid the problem at an early stage.
3 What happens after an off-field landing? Observe the legal framework
Not every pilot realises that a landing outside an aerodrome does not automatically give the right to take off again. Different regulations apply depending on the type of landing (emergency landing or safety landing).
Emergency landing vs. safety landing: legal differences
Emergency landing - When there is no choice
One Emergency landing is a forced landing due to a acute danger. These include:
- Technical defect (e.g. engine failure)
- Health problems of the pilot
- Impossibility of safely continuing the flight
As there is no alternative in such situations, landing is absolutely essential. But even if the aircraft remains undamaged, the pilot may not simply take off again.
Mandatory measures after an emergency landing:
- Report to the local police
- Obtaining a start authorisation with the aviation authority (e.g. in Switzerland with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation, FOCA)
An unauthorised resumption of the flight can Criminal consequences result.
Safety landing - A controlled decision
In contrast to an emergency landing, the pilot makes an Safety landing a conscious decision to land early in order to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Reasons for this could be
- Loss of orientation
- Fuel shortage or uncertainties in fuel management
- Unexpected change in the weather
- A foreign object (e.g. insect) in the cockpit that impairs the controls
A safety landing falls under the Foreign Landing Ordinance and will not prosecutedprovided it is carried out in accordance with the regulations. In this case a restart is permittedprovided that the safety precautions are observed.
Important take-off preparations after an outlanding
Regardless of whether it is an emergency landing or a safety landing - an orderly restart requires careful preparation:
✅ Checking the aircraft for damage
✅ Take-off distance calculation and inspection of the runway
✅ Notification to authorities (if required)
✅ Protection by third parties, e.g. police or helpers
Conclusion: preparation and awareness are crucial
This incident shows how quickly an everyday routine can turn into a critical situation. The most important realisation remains: Every flight requires full attention and conscious control of all manoeuvres.
Pilots should also be aware that after a successful emergency or safety landing the legal regulations of the respective country apply - and an unchecked start can have legal consequences.
Source references:
Staysafe.aero