Pilot Debrief

Piper PA22 near White Bear Township, MN — 2019-10-27

Final reportCEN20LA015
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Date
2019-10-27
Location
White Bear Township, MN, USA
Airport
6MN9
Aircraft
Piper PA22
Registration
N2621P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to select the proper fuel tank before departure, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that his preflight inspection revealed 18 gallons of fuel in the left tank and "no fuel in the right tank." After an engine run-up, he initiated a takeoff; he reported that he did not recall any further events of the flight. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree and terrain about 1/4 mile from the runway and came to rest near a ditch. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right fuel tank was empty, and the fuel selector valve was in the right tank position. The gascolator was intact and contained no fuel. It is likely that the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to select the proper fuel tank.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot failed to check fuel selector position before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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