Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Palermo, NY — 2010-03-28

Final reportERA10CA194
Sign in to save
Date
2010-03-28
Location
Palermo, NY, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N3442R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

Prior to departure the pilot obtained a standard preflight weather briefing. Based on the pilot's input pertaining to flight performance parameters, the flight's duration was calculated to be about 3 hours, with an estimated fuel consumption of 29.3 gallons; this fuel consumption rate was based on the pilot's historical experience of 10.0 gallons per hour. The pilot stated that the flight departed with 34 gallons of usable fuel on board. After takeoff, the pilot obtained visual-flight-rules flight following and proceeded toward the destination airport. The engine experienced a total loss of power and, approximately 3 hours 7 minutes after takeoff, the pilot advised the controller that she had exhausted the airplane's fuel supply. The pilot maneuvered the airplane toward a field and the airplane collided with a tree during the descent. Inspection of the accident site and wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the left wing was separated. No fuel was found in either main fuel tank and there was no evidence of leakage from either fuel filler cap or sump drain. A total of 1.5 ounces of fuel were drained from the carburetor bowl. Inspection of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have refueled before departure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • 10 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents10

Related mishaps