Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Carthage, TX — 2010-09-20

Final reportCEN10CA550
Sign in to save
Date
2010-09-20
Location
Carthage, TX, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N333NA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he departed with about 47 gallons of fuel onboard for a 551-nautical mile cross-country flight. About 3 hours and 15 minutes into the flight, the pilot became concerned with the rate of fuel consumption. The pilot stated that he elected to change his destination to obtain fuel and shortly thereafter the left fuel tank was empty. The pilot then switched back to the right fuel tank and looked for a place to conduct an emergency landing. During the approach for a forced landing the engine changed from idle to full power for 10 to 15 seconds before experiencing a complete loss of power. The airplane’s nose dropped and impacted the roof of an unoccupied barn near vertically. During recovery of the airplane, no fuel was found on site or in the airplane’s fuel tanks.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps