Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-32R-300 near Vineyard Haven, MA — 2011-03-20

Final reportERA11LA198
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Date
2011-03-20
Location
Vineyard Haven, MA, USA
Airport
MVY
Aircraft
PIPER PA-32R-300
Registration
N2027M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after flying for approximately 25 minutes, the engine lost power. He performed a forced landing on a nearby beach. During the landing, the airplane struck a piling and came to rest in knee-deep water. The wings and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that he departed with the fuel gauges reading half full. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tank selector valve was on the right tank position. The right wing fuel tank was compromised by impact forces. After recovery of the airplane from the beach, 20 gallons of seawater were drained from the right wing; there was no fuel present. The wreckage was moved to a nearby hangar where a more detailed examination of the airplane was performed. The examination revealed a lack of fuel throughout the fuel system.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified fuel levels before departure to prevent fuel starvation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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