Pipistrel Virus PH-VFL emergency-landed after fuel starvation. New refuelling procedures and pre-flight checks now in effect.

Background

The Pipistrel Virus (PH-VFL) experienced engine failure during a solo flight from Stadtlohn to Teuge at 700 ft inbound Sierra. The pilot successfully executed an emergency landing on a grass field, followed by a necessary 90-degree turn to avoid trees. The aircraft sustained severe damage in the resulting cornfield landing, but the pilot was unharmed.

Root cause: fuel starvation. Engine and one fuel tank were found dry despite visual indicators suggesting fuel presence. Wing fuel level indicators proved potentially misleading. Fuel for 1:20h remained in the other fuel tank, but the system was not configured to draw from it in time.

Key points

Visual indicators on the wing tanks can mislead — trust verified quantities, not appearances

New refuelling checklist is mandatory and available in the aircraft and online

Enhanced preflight fuel verification procedures now apply

Updated fuel reference tables are in the cockpit

Revised in-flight fuel management procedures: monitor and switch tanks proactively

PH-VCR is now operational as a replacement aircraft

All media communications must go through Merlijn van Vliet

Required actions

Always use the new Refuel Checklist when refuelling the Virus

Verify fuel quantity using the dipstick — do not rely on visual tank inspection alone

Cross-check displayed vs actual fuel before every flight

Manage fuel actively in flight — don't wait until a tank runs dry

If unsure about any new procedure, contact an instructor before your next flight

Further reading

Refuel Checklist is available in the aircraft and on Wings under Documents. Questions? Email