Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28 near New Braunfels, TX — 2024-12-28

Final reportCEN25LA065
Sign in to save
Date
2024-12-28
Location
New Braunfels, TX, USA
Airport
KBAZ
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28
Registration
N5263W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper in-flight fuel planning which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and a subsequent off-field landing on rough terrain.

NTSB narrative

Prior to the flight, the pilot checked the fuel level and noted the airplane contained about 38 gallons of fuel. During the cross-country flight, the pilot switched fuel tanks about every 15 minutes. While on approach about 3 miles from the destination airport with the fuel selector in the left tank position, the engine began to intermittently lose power. With the electric fuel pump on, the pilot pumped the throttle, and the engine temporarily regained full power. The pilot attempted to gain some altitude when the engine lost total power. Unable to make the airport, the pilot conducted an off-field landing, during which the left wing sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, and the right fuel tank contained 8 gallons of fuel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

Related mishaps