Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-235 near Huntington, IN — 2015-05-04

Final reportCEN15LA216
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Date
2015-05-04
Location
Huntington, IN, USA
Airport
HHG
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-235
Registration
N8703W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that he departed on a 76-mile cross-country flight with about 5 gallons of fuel in the left main fuel tank, about 16 gallons in the right main tank, and 6 gallons in the right wingtip fuel tank. About 31 miles from the destination, with the left main fuel tank selected, the engine experienced a total loss of power and the pilot conducted a forced landing to a two-lane highway. During the landing, the airplane collided with the rear of a truck, separating the right wing. The airplane came to rest inverted in a ditch about 250 ft from the initial impact point. The pilot reported that the entire flight was conducted on the left main fuel tank. Given the expected fuel consumption and distance traveled before the loss of power, the accident is consistent with the pilot's fuel mismanagement, which resulted in the engine being starved of available fuel.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before departure to ensure adequate fuel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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