Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18A near Sherman, TX — 2011-08-05

Final reportCEN11CA548
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Date
2011-08-05
Location
Sherman, TX, USA
Airport
KSWI
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18A
Registration
N150CW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot did not visually check the fuel level prior to departure, but his fuel gauges indicated the left tank was 3/4-full and the right fuel tank was 1/4-full. He departed with the fuel selector on the left tank and flew for an hour before he picked up a friend and continued with the flight. The pilot and his passenger flew to another airport and landed. They then taxied back to the runway and departed. During takeoff, the pilot made a left hand turn and the engine began to sputter and then stopped producing power. The pilot was unable to return to the airport, and made a forced landing to a field. Examination of the airplane revealed the left fuel tank was empty and the right tank had only residual fuel inside.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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