Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and improper fuel management by the pilot while on approach. Contributing factors were the low altitude and unsuitable terrain encountered during an emergency landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On November 20, 2005, at 1030 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N3425R, owned and piloted by a private pilot, received substantial damage on impact with terrain during a forced landing three statute miles northeast from Clermont County Airport (I69), Batavia, Ohio. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot was uninjured. The local flight originated from I69 at 0915.
The pilot stated that while on approach and approximately 2 miles from I69, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power about 500 feet above ground level. The pilot then performed a forced landing on an agricultural field.
Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that the left fuel tank did not contain usable fuel and the right fuel tank was 1/2 full with 100 low lead aviation fuel. Compression was noted on all cylinders. Engine mechanical and electrical continuity was confirmed. The fuel selector was positioned to the right fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel pump switch was in the off position.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI06LA034