Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-181 near Iola, KS — 2023-10-22

Final reportCEN24LA022
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Date
2023-10-22
Location
Iola, KS, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-181
Registration
N5324F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had 48 gallons of fuel on board and assumed that he would be able to fly for about 5 hours. After about 4 hours and 20 minutes of flying, the pilot began his descent for landing at his destination, turned the fuel pump on, and checked the fuel gauges. The gauges read about 3 or 4 gallons of fuel remaining in each fuel tank. Shortly thereafter, the engine quit. The pilot switched fuel tanks and the engine started again momentarily and then quit again. He landed the airplane on a gravel road about 1.5 miles northeast of the airport. After touchdown, the right wing struck a tree and separated from the fuselage resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported that he believes the airplane ran out fuel, which resulted in the loss of engine power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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