Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-24-260 near Robbinsville, NJ — 2021-06-06

Final reportERA21LA241
Sign in to save
Date
2021-06-06
Location
Robbinsville, NJ, USA
Airport
N87
Aircraft
PIPER PA-24-260
Registration
N79RG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s mismanagement of fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the engine began to sputter. He performed a 180° turn back to the runway, bounced due to excessive speed and attempted a go-around, during which the engine briefly regained power before all power was lost. During a forced landing to a road adjacent to the airport, the left wing impacted powerlines, resulting in substantial damage to the wing. A post-accident examination revealed that the auxiliary fuel tanks were full, both main fuel tanks were empty and the fuel selector was positioned at the “Right Main” position. In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector, the student pilot/owner said that there were no mechanical deficiencies with his airplane and that he had only operated the airplane with the fuel selector on ‘Left’ or ‘Right’ Main fuel tank. Additionally, he had not received the required endorsements for solo operation of the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

Related mishaps