Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-24-250 near Delta, CO — 2021-12-08

Final reportCEN22LA065
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Date
2021-12-08
Location
Delta, CO, USA
Airport
KAJZ
Aircraft
PIPER PA-24-250
Registration
N543AS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Fuel starvation resulting in a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during a flight to demonstrate the airplane to a prospective buyer and during the climb after completing a touch and go about 200 feet agl, the engine lost power. The pilot changed the selected fuel tank and activated the fuel boost pump; however, engine power was not restored. The pilot executed a forced landing to an open field. The fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported he had visually checked the fuel level in each tank before the flight. The right main fuel tank was selected for the entire flight, and it was observed to be empty after the accident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that the power loss was likely due to fuel mismanagement.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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