PIPER PA28
French Lick, IN — November 28, 2020
Event Information
| Date | November 28, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN21LA068 |
| Event ID | 20201130102349 |
| Location | French Lick, IN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.50427, -86.65260 |
| Airport | French Lick Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA28 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper in-flight decision making which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Full Narrative
The pilot departed from his home airport on a personal flight with 8 to 9 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 6 to 7 gallons of fuel in the right tank. He planned to use the left fuel tank for most of the flight, then switch to the right tank upon returning to the airport for touch-and-go-landings. The pilot stated that he did not switch to the right tank and during the third touch-and-go and the engine experienced a total loss of power. He added that he applied carburetor heat but did not remember to switch fuel tanks. The pilot made a forced landing into a wooded area near the airport. The accident is consistent with a total loss of power due to fuel starvation.
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.