Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-23-250 near Forney, TX — 2023-12-18

Final reportCEN24LA068
Sign in to save
Date
2023-12-18
Location
Forney, TX, USA
Airport
HQZ
Aircraft
PIPER PA-23-250
Registration
N66RC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while returning from a 5-hour aerial survey flight, she noticed about a quarter tank of fuel indicated on each fuel gauge and continued the flight toward the destination airport. While on the approach, the pilot noticed that both engines sputtered and both fuel gauges indicated empty. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a highway median, and the airplane impacted guardrails. Both wings, the empennage, and fuselage sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tanks contained no usable fuel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps