N7724J

On December 30, 1998, at 1505 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-32-260 airplane, N7724J, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power near Fabens, Texas. The airplane was owned by a private individual and operated by Wings of Houston of Spring, Texas. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport, Spring, Texas, with a destination of El Paso, Texas, about 5 hours 13 minutes prior to the accident.

The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that he "inspected all 4 fuel tanks following refueling prior to departure." The pilot further reported that he performed fuel calculations at about 3 hours into the flight using fuel gauge readings, and "fuel usage [was] estimated at 12 gph." About 25 nautical miles prior to the Hudspeth VORTAC, he switched to the left main fuel tank, which indicated 20 gallons (tank was used for takeoff and initial climb). At about 20 miles prior to the Hudspeth VORTAC, the left main fuel gauge dropped to about 13 gallons. The closest airport with services (Fabens) was located and a turn was made toward the airport. The pilot notified El Paso approach control of his low fuel status and was given radar vectors to the Fabens Airport. Prior to reaching the airport, the engine lost power. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane touched down on the up-slope of a sand dune.

The person who recovered the aircraft reported to the investigator-in-charge (IIC) that the left wing was partially separated from the fuselage. The left main landing gear was separated, the fuselage was wrinkled near the tail, and the left horizontal stabilizer was bent. The recovery person also reported that he drained all fuel tanks, and the only fuel recovered was eight ounces from the right outboard tank. He observed no evidence of the fuel system being compromised. His examination of the cockpit revealed that the fuel selector was selecting the right outboard fuel tank.

The operator reported to the IIC that the airplane's normal fuel consumption was 15 to 18 gallons per hour. The operator further reported that the airplane's average fuel consumption for its previous two flights was calculated to be 16.27 gallons per hour. The airplane's four fuel tanks hold a total of 84 gallons, of which 80 gallons are useable.