N150CW

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA-18AS/N: 18-4329

Accident Details

Date
Friday, August 5, 2011
NTSB Number
CEN11CA548
Location
Sherman, TX
Event ID
20110805X22610
Coordinates
33.621112, -96.584999
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-4329
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA-18APA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CLEVELAND WILLIAM L
Address
PO BOX 533
City
LANDER
State / Zip Code
WY 82520-0533
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot did not visually check the fuel level prior to departure, but his fuel guages indicated the left tank was 3/4-full and the right fuel tank was 1/4-full. He departed with the fuel selector on the left tank and flew for an hour before he picked up a friend and continued with the flight. The pilot and his passenger flew to another airport and landed. They then taxied back to the runway and departed. On takeoff, the pilot made a left hand turn and the engine began to sputter and then stopped producing power. The pilot was unable to return to the airport, so he made a forced landing to a field. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the left fuel tank was empty and the right tank had some residual fuel inside.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA548