ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 357450
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| Date: | Friday 3 May 1996 |
| Time: | 23:05 LT |
| Type: |  Piper PA-28-180 |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N9549J |
| MSN: | 28-3678 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1966 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 3254 hours |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-360-A4M |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Bath, PA -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Approach |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Concord, NH (KCON) |
| Perkasie, PA (N70) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The pilot was en route at night in instrument meteorological conditions when he realized that he was low on fuel. He decided to divert to Allentown, Pennsylvania. About 3 miles from the airport, the engine lost power. During a subsequent forced landing, the airplane collided with a tree and was damaged. According to the pilot, '...After some time flying I realize that the headwinds (were) stronger than when I did my flight planning, but I (took) action too late.' Examination of the airplane by the FAA revealed the fuel tanks were empty. There were no breaks or leaks in the fuel tanks or fuel lines. No mechanical malfunction was reported by either the pilot or the FAA. The pilot reported he had 36 gallons of fuel onboard at the time of departure. According to records, the airplane had been operated over 4 hours at the time of the power loss.
Probable Cause: the pilot's improper in-flight decision and planning, and his mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power. Darkness and low clouds in the emergency landing area were related factors.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB NYC96LA098
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 13-Mar-2024 18:01 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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