Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-181 near American Falls, ID — 2015-08-03

Final reportWPR15LA237
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Date
2015-08-03
Location
American Falls, ID, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-181
Registration
N7963C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The low flight time pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a loss of engine power, and an off-airport landing in rough terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, before departing for the cross-country flight, the fuel tanks were full and that the airplane could fly about 5 to 5.5 hours with full tanks. He planned to stop at an airport and refuel 4.5 hours after departure. However, 4 hours into the flight, the pilot determined that the groundspeed was less than planned and that the airplane would not make it to the intended fueling destination. At this time, the left fuel tank quantity gauge indicated that the tank had 5 gallons, and the right fuel tank gauge indicated that the tank had more than 5 gallons, which he estimated was sufficient fuel for 1 more hour of flight, so he decided to continue to an alternate airport even though he was currently over another airport. The pilot reported that, about 10 miles from the alternate airport, the right fuel tank gauge indicated that the tank was empty and that the left fuel tank gauge indicated that the tank had between 2 and 5 gallons. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power, and the pilot initiated a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the fuel tanks were not breached and that they were empty; only residual quantities of fuel were observed in the engine ancillary components. The engine examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have landed at Burley instead of continuing to Pocatello.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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