N6800W

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-28-140S/N: 28-20934

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA11CA506
Location
Montgomery, NY
Event ID
20110929X80852
Coordinates
41.502223, -74.270278
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilots’ inadequate fuel management.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N6800W
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-20934
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1965
Model / ICAO
PA-28-140P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
MEGE RONALD
Address
9 JAMES CT
Status
Deregistered
City
PORT JERVIS
State / Zip Code
NY 12771-3144
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the certificated flight instructor, he and the student pilot/owner had been performing takeoffs and landings for about one hour with the left fuel tank selected when they switched the fuel selector valve to the right fuel tank and performed a "runup." During the takeoff climb, approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of engine power. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane from the student pilot/owner and attempted to land in a clearing. During the landing flare the right wing impacted a tree resulting in substantial damage to the wing. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector that responded to the accident location examined the airplane and the engine. He noted that the left fuel tank was full of fuel, the right fuel tank, carburetor, and electric fuel pump were devoid of fuel and no other preimpact anomalies were noted.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA506