Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-235 near Monee, IL — 2022-03-05

Final reportCEN22LA135
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Date
2022-03-05
Location
Monee, IL, USA
Airport
C56
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-235
Registration
N5078M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for undetermined reasons during a departure climb that resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the personal flight planned to remain in the departure airport’s traffic pattern. During the departure climb, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot preformed a forced landing on a field, and the airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain to the engine mount. The pilot stated that he had the fuel selector positioned to the left main fuel tank for the flight. Postaccident examination revealed 16 gallons of fuel in the left main fuel tank. Minimal fuel was found in the engine carburetor bowl, and no fuel in the fuel line leading to the carburetor, which was consistent with fuel starvation to the engine. There were no mechanical anomalies identified that would have precluded normal engine operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured adequate fuel before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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