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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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February 21, 1998 · Piper PA-25-235 · N8648L

Perry Foley, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 21, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Perry Foley, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N8648L
Operator
John Turley
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA050

During cruise flight, the engine lost power. The pilot then initiated an emergency landing on a dirt road, but during the landing, the airplane collided with trees and was damaged. According to an FAA inspector and the pilot, no fuel was remaining in the airplane, but it should not have run out of fuel. They stated the airplane should have reached its destination with adequate fuel reserves. The FAA inspector noted that the fuel tank did not rupture, and that it contained only residual fuel. Also, the FAA inspector noted that the carburetor bowl drain plug was missing, and the fuel line from the fuel tank to the firewall shutoff valve was loose and leaking. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane recently had an annual inspection after being in extended storage .

NTSB Probable Cause

a loose (or missing) carburetor drain plug and fuel line, due to an inadequate maintenance/annual inspection, which resulted in a fuel leak, fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. The obstructions (trees in the emergency landing area) were a related factor.

Full Narrative

On February 21, 1998, at 1755 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-25-235, N8648L, collided with the ground during an emergency landing following a loss of engine power during cruise flight near Perry Foley, Florida. The airplane was operated by the commercial pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated in Brownfield, Texas, exact time unknown. According to both the FAA inspector and the pilot, the airplane had no fuel, but should not have run out of fuel. They stated the airplane should have reached its destination, Hollywood, Florida, with adequate fuel reserves. During further examination by the FAA inspector, it was noted that the engine contained adequate oil and showed no signs of seizure. Also, the fuel tank did not rupture and contained only residual fuel. It was also noted by the FAA inspector that the carburetor bowl drain plug was missing, and the fuel line from the fuel tank to the firewall shutoff valve was loose and leaking. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane had recently undergone an annual inspection after being in extended storage .

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:55 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN8648L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn Turley
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2B5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data