PIPER PA-28-140
Beltzville, PA — October 6, 2012
Event Information
| Date | October 6, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA13CA011 |
| Event ID | 20121007X91750 |
| Location | Beltzville, PA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.84056, -75.67056 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-140 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The flight instructor’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Full Narrative
The certificated flight instructor (CFI) completed a preflight inspection, and noted that each wing fuel tank contained approximately 18 gallons of fuel before departing on the local instructional flight. At the conclusion of the flight, while returning to the departure airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The CFI stated that he maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a field while conducting the emergency landing checklist; however, he did not change the fuel tank selector position. The airplane touched down in the field and impacted a row of trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. Following the accident, approximately 18 gallons of fuel was observed in the left wing tank, and about 8 ounces of fuel were drained from the right wing tank. During postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, a fuel line was plumbed to the engine. The inspector then started and ran the engine through all power settings with no anomalies observed.
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.