PIPER PA-18A
Sherman, TX, August 5, 2011
Event Information
| Date | August 5, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Sherman, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.62111, -96.58500 |
| Airport | Sherman |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA548 |
| Event ID | 20110805X22610 |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18A |
| Registration # | N150CW |
| Operator | Darrell Williams |
| Owner | Darrell Williams |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Full Narrative
The private pilot did not visually check the fuel level prior to departure, but his fuel guages 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. On 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, so he made a forced landing to a field. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the left fuel tank was empty and the right tank had some residual fuel inside.
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.