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NTSB Report
December 9, 1991 · Piper PA-28-235 · N55839
Houston, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 9, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235
Tail Number
N55839
Operator
William J Jennings
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW92LA041
DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, 50 - 75 FEET AGL, OF A NIGHT TAKEOFF THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND WAS FORCED TO LAND IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. THE PILOT HAD FAILED TO CALCULATE HIS FUEL USAGE, RESULTING IN FUEL STARVATION. AFTER LANDING THE AIRPLANES FUEL TANK SELECTION LEVER WAS PLACED TO A TANK WITH FUEL. FOLLOWING THE SELECTION CHANGE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED WITHOUT PROBLEMS AND A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO ANOMALIES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CORRECTLY CALCULATE FUEL CONSUMPTION AND THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. A FACTOR WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, 50 - 75 FEET AGL, OF A NIGHT TAKEOFF THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND WAS FORCED TO LAND IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. THE PILOT HAD FAILED TO CALCULATE HIS FUEL USAGE, RESULTING IN FUEL STARVATION. AFTER LANDING THE AIRPLANES FUEL TANK SELECTION LEVER WAS PLACED TO A TANK WITH FUEL. FOLLOWING THE SELECTION CHANGE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED WITHOUT PROBLEMS AND A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO ANOMALIES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CST
Nearest AirportWest Houston (0nm)
Runway33
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-235
Tail NumberN55839
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam J Jennings
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B4B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind350° @ 1 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:50
Weather SourceWFAC