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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 21, 1991 · Piper PA-28-140 · N9558W

Clearwater, FL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
August 21, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Clearwater, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N9558W
Operator
Tropicair Pilots Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
MIA91IA201

DURING THE BASE LEG FOR A FULL STOP LANDING, THE ENG EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. THE PLT REPOSITIONED THE FUEL SELECTOR BUT THE ENG DID NOT START. UNABLE TO LAND AT THE ARPT, HE DITCHED THE ACFT WHICH NOSED OVER AFTER IMPACT. THE ACFT WAS RECOVERED & THE LT FUEL TANK, WHICH WAS FULL, WAS DRAINED & FOUND TO CONTAIN 5-10 GALS OF FUEL. THE REMAINDER WAS WATER. THE RT FUEL TANK, ALSO FULL, WAS DRAINED & FOUND TO CONTAIN WATER. NO FUEL WAS PRESENT. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE LT TANK. THE ENG WAS EXAMINED WITH NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.

NTSB Probable Cause

TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION CAUSED BY IMPROPER FUEL TANK SELECTOR POSITION BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE INCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S TOTAL LACK OF EXPERIENCE.

Full Narrative

DURING THE BASE LEG FOR A FULL STOP LANDING, THE ENG EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. THE PLT REPOSITIONED THE FUEL SELECTOR BUT THE ENG DID NOT START. UNABLE TO LAND AT THE ARPT, HE DITCHED THE ACFT WHICH NOSED OVER AFTER IMPACT. THE ACFT WAS RECOVERED & THE LT FUEL TANK, WHICH WAS FULL, WAS DRAINED & FOUND TO CONTAIN 5-10 GALS OF FUEL. THE REMAINDER WAS WATER. THE RT FUEL TANK, ALSO FULL, WAS DRAINED & FOUND TO CONTAIN WATER. NO FUEL WAS PRESENT. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE LT TANK. THE ENG WAS EXAMINED WITH NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time17:46 EDT
Nearest AirportSt. Petersburg-Clearwater (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length5165 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN9558W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorTropicair Pilots Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data