Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Beltzville, PA — 2012-10-06

Final reportERA13CA011
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Date
2012-10-06
Location
Beltzville, PA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N44595
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor completed a preflight inspection and noted that each wing fuel tank contained about 18 gallons of fuel before departing on the local instructional flight. At the conclusion of the flight, while returning to the departure airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The flight instructor stated that he maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a field while conducting the emergency landing checklist; however, he said that he did not change the fuel tank selector position. The airplane touched down in the field and impacted a row of trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. During postaccident examination, about 18 gallons of fuel was observed in the left wing tank, and about 8 ounces of fuel was drained from the right wing tank. A fuel line was plumbed to the engine, and the engine started and ran through all power settings with no anomalies observed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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