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NTSB Report
March 29, 1991 · Piper PA-30 · N7133Y
Butte, MT
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 29, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Butte, MT
Aircraft
Piper PA-30
Tail Number
N7133Y
Operator
Michael Lynn Heling
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA91FA073
THE PILOT OF THE PIPER PA-30 DECLARED AN EMERGENCY AFTER FAILURE OF BOTH ENGINES, AFTER THREE ILS APPROACH ATTEMPTS. DURING THE LANDING AFTER HIS EMERGENCY DESCENT, THE RIGHT WING-TIP STRUCK THE SNOW-COVERED SURFACE AND THE AIRCRAFT SLID TO A STOP SIDEWAYS. A TOTAL OF 10.75 GALLONS OF FUEL REMAINED IN THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN ALOFT APPROXIMATELY 5.25 HOURS. WEATHER AT THE DESTINATION AIRPORT WAS VFR.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISIONS, FUEL STARVATION, AND FAILURE TO PERFORM ALTERNATIVE IFR APPROACH PROCEDURES. FACTORS INCLUDE OPERATION WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT, DISORIENTATION, AND LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF THE PIPER PA-30 DECLARED AN EMERGENCY AFTER FAILURE OF BOTH ENGINES, AFTER THREE ILS APPROACH ATTEMPTS. DURING THE LANDING AFTER HIS EMERGENCY DESCENT, THE RIGHT WING-TIP STRUCK THE SNOW-COVERED SURFACE AND THE AIRCRAFT SLID TO A STOP SIDEWAYS. A TOTAL OF 10.75 GALLONS OF FUEL REMAINED IN THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN ALOFT APPROXIMATELY 5.25 HOURS. WEATHER AT THE DESTINATION AIRPORT WAS VFR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:36 MST
Nearest AirportBert Mooney (15nm NNW)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-30
Tail NumberN7133Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael Lynn Heling
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-B1A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 15 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:33
Weather SourceWFAC