Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The loss of engine power due to the pilots inadequate fuel management.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On February 8, 1998, at 1749 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38-112, N925IT, collided with a plant nursery after departure from runway 27 at Bob Lee Flight Strip Airport in Deland, Florida. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
According to the pilot, the airplane had a sudden drop in RPM about 30 to 40 feet above the ground. He attempted a forced landing straight ahead. The airplane collided with a plant nursery.
The FAA investigator who examined the airplane stated there was no fuel in the right tank and 10 to 15 gallons in the left tank. The fuel selector was in the right tank position. The fuel contained no water or contamination. The FAA investigator stated there was three tablespoons of fuel in the gascolater and two tablespoons in the carburetor sump. The engine ran normally during testing when using fuel from the left tank.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL98LA037