Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-30 near Wanatah, IN — 2021-03-22

Final reportCEN21LA171
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Date
2021-03-22
Location
Wanatah, IN, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-30
Registration
N7588Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilots’ fuel mismanagement, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power to both engines.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was practicing instrument approaches in the multiengine airplane with a safety pilot. While in cruise flight with fuel to both engines selected from the respective auxiliary fuel tanks, the left engine lost power. During diversion to a nearby airport, the right engine lost power and the pilots conducted a forced landing to a farm field. Both pilots thought that the auxiliary fuel tank gauges indicated that the fuel remaining was adequate and did not attempt to select fuel from either inboard fuel tank after each engine lost power. Examination revealed that both auxiliary fuel tanks were empty, while both inboard fuel tanks were nearly full. Fuel gauge testing revealed normal operation, and no fuel contamination, leaks, or anomalies of the fuel system were observed. Based on the available information, the circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilots’ mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss of power to both engines due to fuel starvation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Check fuel levels before flight to ensure adequate fuel supply for both engines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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