Summary
On October 04, 2007, a Piper PA-18-150 (N4157R) was involved in an accident near Hot Springs, AR. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: 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.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CHI08CA005. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4157R.
Accident Details
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
Registered Owner (Current)
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