Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-181 near Lexington, NE — 2015-09-13

Final reportGAA15CA261
Sign in to save
Date
2015-09-13
Location
Lexington, NE, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-181
Registration
N121LK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and loss of engine power. Additionally, the pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the emergency landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he exhausted all the fuel in both of the fuel tanks prior to reaching his destination, and was forced to maneuver for an emergency landing in a hay field. The pilot reported that after he lost sight of the hay bales that lined the field, he decided to "slightly pull up." Subsequently, the airplane aerodynamically stalled and the right wing impacted the ground. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps