Propulsion or fuel system malfunction
What this relates to
The engine/fuel system of an aircraft develops a fault, which can include a partial or complete loss of power.
Typical causes include technical defects in the propulsion systems (engine, propeller, gearbox and associated systems) or in the fuel system, user errors, maintenance errors, damage on the ground, bird strike, unfavourable weather conditions, lack of fuel or contaminated fuel.
Example
Shortly after takeoff, a single-engine aircraft with a piston engine begins to sputter and loses power. The pilot returns to the airport.
Commentary on the 2023 figures
In 2023, the number of incidents per 10,000 movements related to propulsion and fuel systems was 2.9 incidents per 10,000 aircraft movements, roughly on a par with other non-COVID years (2019: 2.7; 2022: 2.9). The average severity level was lower than in previous years. The majority of engine-related incidents related to piston-engined aircraft. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is investigating possible causes of these incidents in cooperation with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and other national authorities in Europe. Prerequisite for being able to recognise and investigate potential risks: consistent reporting of incidents with engines and other technical systems including the causes of the incidents.
