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NTSB Report
May 13, 1992 · Piper PA-18-150 · N3841Z
Soccastee, SC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 13, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Soccastee, SC
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N3841Z
Operator
Sky Signs
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL92LA100
DURING A BANNER TOW FLIGHT THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE ALTERNATELY SWITCHED FUEL TANKS. AS HE DEPARTED THE OPERATING AREA TO RETURN TO BASE, THE ENGINE QUIT. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE INTO A FIELD WHERE THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. THE OPERATOR REPORTED THAT HE WENT TO THE ACCIDENT SITE & FOUND NO FUEL IN THE LEFT TANK. THE RIGHT TANK WAS NEARLY FULL, HE SAID. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND IN THE LEFT TANK POSITION. AFTER RIGHTING THE AIRPLANE, AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO START THE ENGINE. WHEN THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS MOVED TO THE RIGHT TANK POSITION, THE ENGINE STARTED AND OPERATED. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED THAT IT WAS CAPABLE OF NORMAL OPERATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S MISMANAGEMENT OF HIS FUEL IN THAT HE EXHAUSTED FUEL IN ONE TANK, THEN FAILED TO SELECT THE TANK WITH FUEL.
Full Narrative
DURING A BANNER TOW FLIGHT THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE ALTERNATELY SWITCHED FUEL TANKS. AS HE DEPARTED THE OPERATING AREA TO RETURN TO BASE, THE ENGINE QUIT. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE INTO A FIELD WHERE THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. THE OPERATOR REPORTED THAT HE WENT TO THE ACCIDENT SITE & FOUND NO FUEL IN THE LEFT TANK. THE RIGHT TANK WAS NEARLY FULL, HE SAID. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND IN THE LEFT TANK POSITION. AFTER RIGHTING THE AIRPLANE, AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO START THE ENGINE. WHEN THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS MOVED TO THE RIGHT TANK POSITION, THE ENGINE STARTED AND OPERATED. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED THAT IT WAS CAPABLE OF NORMAL OPERATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN3841Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSky Signs
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 10 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:45
Weather SourceWFAC