Pilot Debrief

Piper PA28 near Vero Beach, FL — 2019-12-02

Final reportERA20TA046
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Date
2019-12-02
Location
Vero Beach, FL, USA
Airport
VRB
Aircraft
Piper PA28
Registration
N558PU
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

During the cross-country flight, the pilot completed the first leg using the left fuel tank only. While in the traffic pattern at his destination airport, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field and the airplane was substantially damaged after colliding with a tree. An examination of the wreckage revealed that the left fuel tank was empty and undamaged; the fuel selector handle was on the left tank. The right tank was full. Thus, it is likely that the engine was starved of fuel when the fuel supply in the left wing tank was exhausted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot failed to switch fuel tanks before departure from X14.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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