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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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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April 18, 1990 · Piper PA-22-108 · N4698Z

Franklin, IN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 18, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Franklin, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-108
Tail Number
N4698Z
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI90LA113

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD SUFFICIENT FUEL TO REACH HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT, BUT DURING ARRIVAL, HE HAD TO CIRCLE IN THE VICINITY OF THE AIRPORT, WHILE HE ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE PILOT CONTROLLED RUNWAY LIGHTING SYSTEM. THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION, WHILE HE CIRCLED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED TREES AND THE GROUND DURING A FORCED LANDING. POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPORT LIGHTS REVEALED THAT THEY WERE CAPABLE OF NORMAL OPERATION. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES WITH THE AIRCRAFT'S RADIOS.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION IN CHOOSING TO CONTINUE FLIGHT TO THE DESTINATION AIRPORT WITHOUT REFUELING. THE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS, AND A KNOWN INTERMITTENT RADIO PROBLEM WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD SUFFICIENT FUEL TO REACH HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT, BUT DURING ARRIVAL, HE HAD TO CIRCLE IN THE VICINITY OF THE AIRPORT, WHILE HE ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE PILOT CONTROLLED RUNWAY LIGHTING SYSTEM. THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION, WHILE HE CIRCLED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED TREES AND THE GROUND DURING A FORCED LANDING. POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPORT LIGHTS REVEALED THAT THEY WERE CAPABLE OF NORMAL OPERATION. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES WITH THE AIRCRAFT'S RADIOS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time00:15 EDT
Nearest AirportFranklin Flying Field (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-108
Tail NumberN4698Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1B · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind30° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data