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NTSB Report
March 27, 1990 · Piper PA-32 · N5524J
Bolivar, TN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 27, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Bolivar, TN
Aircraft
Piper PA-32
Tail Number
N5524J
Operator
Spears Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL90LA086
AFTER TAKEOFF, AS THE AIRCRAFT WAS CLIMBING THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 300 FT OVER THE RUNWAY, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A DITCH DURING A FORCED LANDING AND WAS DAMAGED. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD NOT PLACED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO A TANK WITH SUFFICIENT FUEL. THE AIRCRAFT HAD ABOUT 45 GAL OF FUEL AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE AND BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW HAD BOTH EXPIRED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT FAILED TO PROPERLY SELECT A TANK WITH SUFFICIENT FUEL PRIOR TO TAKEOFF.
Full Narrative
AFTER TAKEOFF, AS THE AIRCRAFT WAS CLIMBING THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 300 FT OVER THE RUNWAY, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A DITCH DURING A FORCED LANDING AND WAS DAMAGED. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD NOT PLACED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO A TANK WITH SUFFICIENT FUEL. THE AIRCRAFT HAD ABOUT 45 GAL OF FUEL AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE AND BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW HAD BOTH EXPIRED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CST
Nearest AirportBelivar-Hardeman (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32
Tail NumberN5524J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSpears Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:50