Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Winnfield, LA — 2010-08-12

Final reportCEN10LA476
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Date
2010-08-12
Location
Winnfield, LA, USA
Airport
0R5
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N9507J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to perform touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings. After takeoff, as the airplane was passing 650 feet above the ground and the airspeed was about 80 mph, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane in a turn in an attempt to return to the airport, during which the airplane collided with trees. The pilot indicated that there was 25 gallons of fuel on board the airplane at takeoff. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the airplane after recovery. They reported finding no fuel in the fuel system and no fuel blight on the trees. The recovery team reported similar findings.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not visually check fuel levels before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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