Pilot Debrief

PZL PZL-104 35A near Oakland, CA — 2009-01-03

Final reportWPR09LA071
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Date
2009-01-03
Location
Oakland, CA, USA
Aircraft
PZL PZL-104 35A
Registration
N226PF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during a local personal flight, the engine lost power as a result of fuel exhaustion. During the forced landing, he maneuvered to avoid power lines and subsequently impacted trees. The pilot related that he thought he had enough fuel for a short local flight. Post accident, the pilot stated that he did not realize he had flown the airplane for more than 4 hours since it had been refueled. The airplane's fuel endurance is about 4 hours.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels more accurately before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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