Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Barron, WI — 2011-06-29

Final reportCEN11LA430
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Date
2011-06-29
Location
Barron, WI, USA
Airport
KRPD
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N9002J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power, which resulted from fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning.

NTSB narrative

About 4.4 hours after departure on a cross-country flight, the airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power about 5 miles from the destination airport. The pilot was unable to restart the engine after switching fuel tanks, a forced landing was made to a nearby field, and the landing gear collapsed during the landing roll. The pilot stated that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion and was not the result of a mechanical malfunction of the engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have refueled before continuing to final destination.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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