PIPER PA 28
Thomson, GA — December 2, 2016
Event Information
| Date | December 2, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA089 |
| Event ID | 20161205X55358 |
| Location | Thomson, GA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.52917, -82.50639 |
| Airport | THOMSON-MCDUFFIE COUNTY |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 28 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NDRK |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the total loss of engine power.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while on a cross country flight he diverted from his destination to a nearby airport due to low fuel. He added that the right fuel tank "went dry" and the engine lost power on downwind, so he switched to the left fuel tank and the engine momentarily restarted before it experienced a total power loss on base. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the instrument landing system lights, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.