Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12 near N. Myrtle Beach, SC — 2008-08-01

Final reportMIA08LA158
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Date
2008-08-01
Location
N. Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Airport
CRE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12
Registration
N3424M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel planning.

NTSB narrative

The pilot flew the airplane for 45 minutes after filling the fuel tanks, then secured the airplane. Before the next departure, the operator advised the pilot twice to fuel the airplane; however, it was not fueled. The pilot departed on a banner-tow flight, during which time he reported monitoring the fuel level. Approximately 1 to 2 minutes after noticing the left and right fuel quantity gauges indicated "1/4" and "1/3" capacity respectively, the engine sputtered once then lost power. He notified air traffic control, released the banner, and ditched the airplane. Examination of the airplane revealed that no fuel was present in the airplane's fuel tanks or carburetor. An unquantified amount of fuel was found in the gascolator.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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