Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28 near Dingman, PA — 2009-05-18

Final reportERA09LA296
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Date
2009-05-18
Location
Dingman, PA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28
Registration
N4130W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power in flight due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel planning.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was flying back to his home airport when the "engine sounded like it was out of fuel," and the "propeller just stopped." The pilot then began performing the emergency checklist, switching fuel tanks, and looking for a place to land. The only suitable forced landing area was beyond glide range, and the airplane impacted trees just short of the pilot’s intended touchdown point. The airplane came to rest upright in the tops of the trees, substantially damaging the wing spar. The pilot reported that "there was no abnormal sound" from the engine prior to stopping. After the airplane was recovered from the tree tops, approximately 6 ounces of fuel was drained from the engine, and the Federal Aviation Administration inspector on scene found both fuel tanks empty. No other anomalies with either the engine or airframe were identified.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not refuel before departing for return flight, leading to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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