Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Ritchfield, UT — 2023-08-08

Final reportWPR23LA308
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Date
2023-08-08
Location
Ritchfield, UT, USA
Airport
RIF
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N8823J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper preflight planning that resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after flying for about four hours, the engine began to surge. Concerned about the fuel condition, he switched to the other fuel tank and turned toward a highway for a potential emergency landing. While descending, the engine experienced surges again and then sputtered, followed by a complete loss of engine power. The pilot noticed that both fuel tank gauges were showing empty. While maneuvering over the highway for a forced landing, the airplane’s right wingtip collided with a semi-truck, causing the airplane to strike the highway and veer off into a median. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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