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NTSB Report
September 20, 1993 · Piper PA-23-250 · N5309Y
Spencer, IA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Spencer, IA
Aircraft
Piper PA-23-250
Tail Number
N5309Y
Operator
Robert L Cozine
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI93LA375
FUEL IN THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS EXHAUSTED DURING AN ILS TO RUNWAY 12. A LOSS OF POWER ON THE RIGHT ENGINE RESULTED. THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN IN ROUGH TERRAIN APPROXIMATELY 1,000 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT STATED HE FAILED TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's to switch fuel tanks which resulted in fuel starvation. A factor related to the accident was the rough terrain on which the airplane was landed.
Full Narrative
On September 19, 1993, at 2130 central daylight time, a Piper Pa-23-250, N5309Y, registered to the Emmetsburg Medical Clinic, Emmetsburg, Iowa, undershot the runway following a loss of engine power on one engine during an ILS approach. The accident occurred at the Spencer Airport, Spencer, Iowa, during a business flight. Visual meteological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan had been filed. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Prarie Du Chien, Wisconsin, on September 20, 1993, at 2000 cdt. The pilot stated that while on final approach the right fuel tank ran dry. He stated he failed to switch the tanks and a total loss of power occurred on the right engine. The airplane touched down in rough terrain approximately 1,000 short of runway 12.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:30 CDT
Nearest AirportSpencer Municipal (0nm)
Runway12
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-23-250
Tail NumberN5309Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert L Cozine
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1D5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 7 kt
Visibility2 sm
Ceiling1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time02:50
Weather SourceWFAC