Pilot Debrief

Piper PA28R near Denver, CO — 2020-06-28

Final reportCEN20LA252
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Date
2020-06-28
Location
Denver, CO, USA
Airport
BJC
Aircraft
Piper PA28R
Registration
N811MS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during climbout due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning.

NTSB narrative

During climbout after a touch-and-go landing maneuver, the pilot reported that the engine hesitated. Suspecting a fuel issue, the pilot attempted to switch fuel tanks, but was unable to reach the fuel selector because the shoulder harness would not release. He abandoned attempts to switch fuel tanks and turned toward flat terrain for a forced landing. The airplane landed in a field adjacent to a tree line, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. Examination of the engine, throttle and mixture controls, and fuel distribution system did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies. About 4.25 total gallons of fuel were drained from the fuel tanks; 4 gallons from the left tank and .25 gallons from the right tank. The airplane flight manual stated that unusable fuel for the airplane is 5 total gallons, 2.5 gallons in each tank for critical flight conditions. It is likely that the reported engine hesitation after takeoff was due to fuel starvation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have switched fuel tanks before the climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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