Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Sanborn, IA — 2009-06-23

Final reportCEN09FA377
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Date
2009-06-23
Location
Sanborn, IA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N7795N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel planning and failure to refuel.

NTSB narrative

Prior to the flight, the airplane was refueled with 12 gallons of fuel; however, the total fuel on board at the time of departure could not be determined. During the 3-hour cross-country flight, the airplane overflew several airports that had fuel services available. Witnesses, located near the accident site, observed the airplane flying low and heard the engine lose power, restart, and lose power again. The pilot executed a forced landing to a corn field, the airplane impacted a ditch, and was substantially damaged. No evidence of usable fuel was found in the airplane fuel tanks, or at the accident site. Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have ensured adequate fuel for the flight before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents20

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