Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-17 near Edwardsburg, MI — 2010-09-19

Final reportCEN10CA548
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Date
2010-09-19
Location
Edwardsburg, MI, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-17
Registration
N4610H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s improper fuel planning.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane's fuel gauge indicated that the fuel tanks were about half full during his preflight inspection. He conducted a 45-minute flight and landed. During takeoff on the second flight, the airplane reached about 150 feet of altitude when the engine started to sputter and subsequently experienced a total loss of power. The pilot initiated a return to the private airstrip and during the turn the airplane stalled. The airplane impacted the ground in a left-wing-low attitude, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that there was no fuel in the tanks.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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