N4157R

Substantial
Minor

Piper PA-18-150S/N: 1809076

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, October 4, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI08CA005
Location
Hot Springs, AR
Event ID
20080103X00012
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The total loss of engine power due to inadequate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot resulting in fuel starvation while maneuvering over a lake at too low altitude for a safe landing. An additional cause was the unsuitable terrain encountered during landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
1809076
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1993
Model / ICAO
PA-18-150PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MCKENNA BROTHERS AIRCRAFT LLC
Address
PO BOX 240007
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99524-0007
Country
United States

Analysis

The airplane received substantial damage during a forced landing on a lake. The pilot reported a total loss of engine power while maneuvering over a lake at 300-500 feet above ground level. Post-accident examination revealed no fuel in the left fuel tank and a mixture of water and fuel in the right fuel tank. The fuel selector was selected to the left tank. There was no fuel found in the gascolator. The airplane rudder was "folded" over. The pilot reported minor injuries.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA005