Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 24-250 near Berrien Springs, MI — 2014-11-28

Final reportCEN15LA064
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Date
2014-11-28
Location
Berrien Springs, MI, USA
Airport
C20
Aircraft
PIPER PA 24-250
Registration
N5897P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he calculated that the airplane had sufficient fuel on board for about 90 minutes of flight; he estimated that the flight to his intended destination would take about 70 minutes. The flight encountered weather as it approached its destination, so the pilot decided to circle the area until the weather cleared. Once the weather cleared, he lined up the airplane on final approach for the runway. The pilot stated that, about 4 miles from the runway, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power because the airplane ran out of fuel. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane impacted trees and terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have ensured adequate fuel before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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