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NTSB Report
April 21, 1991 · Piper PA-24-250 · N651OP
Wadsworth, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 21, 1991
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 serious injuries)
Location
Wadsworth, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-250
Tail Number
N651OP
Operator
Kazimierz Pajerski
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI91FA135
THE HIGH PERFORMANCE SINGLE ENGINE AIRPLANE WAS ON A LOCAL SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT CHOSE AN UNPLOWED, DIRT, FARM FIELD IN WHICH TO LAND. DURING THE LANDING APPROACH THE AIRPLANE STRUCK ELECTRICAL POWER TRANSMISSION LINES. WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED END OVER END AND FELL INTO THE FIELD. THE ON SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED AN EMPTY RIGHT WING FUEL TANK AND THE LEFT WING FUEL TANK WAS ABOUT 3/4 FULL. THE FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE WAS FOUND POSITIONED ON THE RIGHT WING TANK.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO SELECT THE PROPER FUEL TANK AND NOT PERFORMING EMERGENCY PROCEDURES WHEN THE ENGINE CEASED TO RUN. A FACTOR RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS POWER TRANSMISSIONS WIRES LOCATED ON THE PILOT'S APPROACH PATH TO LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE HIGH PERFORMANCE SINGLE ENGINE AIRPLANE WAS ON A LOCAL SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT CHOSE AN UNPLOWED, DIRT, FARM FIELD IN WHICH TO LAND. DURING THE LANDING APPROACH THE AIRPLANE STRUCK ELECTRICAL POWER TRANSMISSION LINES. WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED END OVER END AND FELL INTO THE FIELD. THE ON SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED AN EMPTY RIGHT WING FUEL TANK AND THE LEFT WING FUEL TANK WAS ABOUT 3/4 FULL. THE FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE WAS FOUND POSITIONED ON THE RIGHT WING TANK.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-24-250
Tail NumberN651OP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorKazimierz Pajerski
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1A5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious4
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 12 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourceWFAC