Summary
On May 01, 1996, a Piper PA-28 (N9869K) was involved in an accident near Mountain Home, AR. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to visually check the fuel quantity during the preflight inspection. A factor was the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.
On May 1, 1996, at 1300 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28, N9869K, registered to and operated by a private owner as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The private pilot and his passenger received minor injuries. The flight originated from a private airstrip near Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Shortly after takeoff, at approximately 100 feet AGL, the engine lost power. During the emergency landing to a rocky ravine, the fuselage and both wings were damaged. Both fuel tanks were compromised.
The pilot reported that during his preflight inspection, he did not visually check the fuel quantity.
This accident is documented in NTSB report FTW96LA199. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9869K.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to visually check the fuel quantity during the preflight inspection. A factor was the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 1, 1996, at 1300 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28, N9869K, registered to and operated by a private owner as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The private pilot and his passenger received minor injuries. The flight originated from a private airstrip near Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Shortly after takeoff, at approximately 100 feet AGL, the engine lost power. During the emergency landing to a rocky ravine, the fuselage and both wings were damaged. Both fuel tanks were compromised.
The pilot reported that during his preflight inspection, he did not visually check the fuel quantity. The airplane had been fueled 5 days earlier, and approximately 2 to 3 hours had been flown since then. The pilot also reported that the accident "possibl[y] could have been prevented by a more thorough preflight." He further reported that he did not know, at the time of departure, what the total fuel on board was. The pilot stated that "upon takeoff, the engine died. I believe from fuel starvation."
Inspection of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the fuel sump valve was missing. The pilot reported that "the interior threads inside the AN fitting were all intact." However, the attached photograph shows thread damage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW96LA199