N4370P

Substantial
Serious

Piper PA-23-160S/N: 23-1871

Accident Details

Date
Monday, January 2, 2006
NTSB Number
ATL06CA031
Location
Phenix City, AL
Event ID
20060113X00068
Coordinates
32.421112, -85.248054
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate decision to continue VFR flight into IMC conditions, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N4370P
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
23-1871
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1960
Model / ICAO
PA-23-160PA23
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
DAWES ROY T
Address
1775 W 400 S
Status
Deregistered
City
LEBANON
State / Zip Code
IN 46052-9109
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot was on a visual flight rules cross country flight when he began encountering instrument conditions. The pilot continued into the instrument conditions for about 30 minutes before asking Atlanta Approach Control for directions to the nearest airport for landing. The controller directed the pilot to two different nearby airports but both were below minimums. The pilot informed the controller that he was low on fuel and needed to land as soon as possible. The controller directed the pilot to the Columbus Metropolitan Airport, Columbus, Georgia. The pilot told the controllers that he would attempt an instrument approach. The pilot attempted four unsuccessful approach's with the controllers talking him through each approach. On the fifth approach, at five miles from the runway the pilot stated that both engine's quit due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot called "mayday" and during the forced landing the airplane collided with trees and the ground separating the right wing, half of the left wing, and coming to rest inverted. The pilot did not report any mechanical deficiencies with the airplane during the attempted approach's.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL06CA031