Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-181 near Gypsum, CO — 2021-08-24

Final reportCEN21LA383
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Date
2021-08-24
Location
Gypsum, CO, USA
Airport
EGE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-181
Registration
N46MD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot's mismanagement of the available fuel.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane’s fuel tanks were filled to the tabs during the preflight. He then departed on about a two-hour local flight, which included touch and go landings. He added that he did a soft field technique, where he pulled up abruptly. The engine then ran rough, so he leveled off, and the engine regained power briefly, before going to idle rpm. He lowered the flaps for the forced landing. During the forced landing, the left wing separated from the airplane after impact with a fence post. The pilot stated that he ran the fuel tank too low and when he pulled up during the takeoff, the remaining fuel was unable to reach the engine. He added that he “just ran the left tank too long without switching” fuel tanks.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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